bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proximate composition, some phytochemical constituents, potential uses, and safety of neem leaf flour: A review
Authors: Andersa Kumsa Negasa , Tamiru Metekia , Teka Tilahun A. , Ali Ibrahim Mohammed , Chane Kasech Tibebu , Regasa Tolina Kebede , Ahmed Endris Hussen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGlobally, there is a growing concern about avoiding using artificial compounds in food ingredients, food preservation, and packaging. Among the parts of the neem tree, leaf flour is one of the most commonly used parts in some countries for food and medicinal purposes and is known for containing several nutrients and phytochemicals. In this review, the proximate composition, phytochemical constituents, potential uses, and safety issues of neem leaf flour are discussed. Neem leaf flour contains high levels of crude protein, total carbohydrate, crude fat, and fiber and moderate amounts of crude fat and ash. In addition, it contains numerous health‐promoting phytochemical constituents. Some phytochemicals, such as ascorbic acid, saponin, total alkaloids, carotenoids, total phenols, total flavonoids, and the total antioxidant capacity of neem leaf flour, have been critically discussed. Neem leaf flour has various potential applications in food science, such as preserving foods and preparing food packaging materials. However, researchers' perspectives on its safety are not yet in agreement. In general, the proximate compositions, phytochemical constituents, potential uses, and safety issues of neem leaf flour were compiled and critically reviewed. In addition, research is needed to identify all the toxic substances found in neem leaves and develop methods to eliminate them that hinder their use for various purposes in food. Further research is needed to develop food products from neem leaf flour and evaluate its nutritional value and phytochemical constituents.
The Healthy Eating Index 2020 components contributed unequally to systemic inflammatory biomarkers: A large national cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yang Hongguang , Liu Yao , Huang Zhenhe , Deng Guifang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe association of Healthy Eating Index 2020 (HEI‐2020), especially its components with systemic inflammatory biomarkers, has not been examined. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between HEI‐2020 and its components with systemic inflammatory biomarkers, and to provide a dietary pattern suggestion to combat systemic inflammation. Participants aged 20 years and older with complete information on two reliable dietary recalls, blood cell counts and demographic characteristics, were recruited from six NHANES cycles from 2007 to 2018. Weighted general linear methods showed that HEI‐2020 was negatively associated with systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI). Weighted quantile regression (WQS) models and quantile g‐computation (QGC) models supported the negative association between the mixed components and systemic inflammation. High intakes of whole fruits, whole grains, greens and beans, and seafood and plant proteins, along with a low intake of added sugars, were associated with reduced systemic inflammation. In contrast, the scores of sodium, dairy, total protein, and refined grains showed no significant effect. Briefly, our study provides an anti‐inflammatory dietary pattern suggestion based on the 13 components of HEI‐2020 and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activity of Magnetically Separable Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO–Ag Composite Photocatalyst
Authors: Kiziltas Hakan , Tekin Taner , Birhan Derya , Tekin Derya 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMagnetically separable Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2, Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO, and Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO–Ag composites are synthesized using hydrothermal and wet chemistry methods. The samples obtained are characterized in terms of morphology, composition, optical, and magnetic properties using TEM, SEM‐EDS, XRD, FTIR, VSM, XPS, and UV–vis, and the photodegradation of Acid Blue 161 dye under UV irradiation is investigated. As a result of SEM and TEM analyses, the diameters of Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2, Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO, and Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO–Ag composites are determined as 210, 220, 230 and 235 nm, respectively. The magnetic properties of the samples are determined by VSM analysis. In VSM analyses, magnetization saturation values of Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2, Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO, and Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO–Ag composites are determined as 81, 64, 41 and 20 emus × g−1, respectively. In XRD analysis, the face‐centered cubic structure of Fe3O4 particles and the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO are determined and it is determined that they are compatible with standard diffraction cards. According to UV–Vis analysis, Eg values for Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2, Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO, and Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO–Ag composites are found as 1.3, 1.68, 2.21, and 2.15 eV, respectively. Among the photocatalysts prepared, Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO–Ag composite Acid Blue 161 shows superior removal and recyclability against photodegradation of the dyestuff.
Abundance and distribution of microplastics in benthic sediments and Cladocera taxa in a subtropical Austral reservoir
Authors: Themba Nombuso N. , Dondofema Farai , Cuthbert Ross N. , Munyai Linton F. , Dalu Tatenda 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Pollution of the natural environment by microplastics has become a global issue in ecosystems as it poses a potential long-term threat to biota. Microplastics can accrue in high abundances in sediments of aquatic ecosystems while also contaminating pelagic filter feeders, which could transfer pollutants up trophic webs. We assess the abundance and distribution of microplastics in benthic sediments and Cladocera taxa in a subtropical Austral reservoir using a combination of geospatial techniques, physicochemical analyses, diversity indices, and multivariate statistics between two seasons (i.e., hot–wet and cool–dry). We found particularly high densities of microplastics during the cool–dry season for both sediments (mean 224.1 vs. 189 particles kg–1 dry weight) and Cladocera taxa (0.3 particles per individual). Cladocera microplastic shapes were dominated by fibers with high densities of the transparent color scheme. Pearson correlation results indicated that sediment microplastic abundances were negatively correlated with chlorophyll–a concentration, temperature, and resistivity, whereas they were positively correlated with pH and salinity during the hot–wet season, with no variables significant in the cool–dry season. Cladocera microplastic abundances were positively correlated with conductivity and salinity during the cool–dry season, but no variables in the hot–wet season. These findings provide insights into the role of reservoirs as microplastic retention sites and the potential for uptake and transfer from lower trophic groups. These insights can be used to strengthen future monitoring and intervention strategies. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2256–2270. © 2024 SETAC
Key Points
Sediments and Cladocera taxa were dominated by fibers. The distribution of microplastic types varied across sites. The density of microplastics in Cladocera taxa was significantly high. Cladocera may transfer microplastics to other aquatic organisms.
Enhancing Skin Disease Diagnosis Through Deep Learning: A Comprehensive Study on Dermoscopic Image Preprocessing and Classification
Authors: Haner Kırğıl Elif Nur , Erdaş Çağatay Berke 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTSkin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, undergo uncontrolled growth due to unrepaired DNA damage, leading to the development of mutations. These mutations lead to rapid cell growth and development of cancerous tumors. The type of cancerous tumor depends on the cells of origin. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, tanning beds, or sunlamps is a primary factor in the occurrence of skin cancer. Since skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and has a high mortality, early diagnosis is extremely important. The dermatology literature has many studies of computer‐aided diagnosis for early and highly accurate skin cancer detection. In this study, the classification of skin cancer was provided by Regnet x006, EfficientNetv2 B0, and InceptionResnetv2 deep learning methods. To increase the classification performance, hairs and black pixels in the corners due to the nature of dermoscopic images, which could create noise for deep learning, were eliminated in the preprocessing step. Preprocessing was done by hair removal, cropping, segmentation, and applying a median filter to dermoscopic images. To measure the performance of the proposed preprocessing technique, the results were obtained with both raw images and preprocessed images. The model developed to provide a solution to the classification problem is based on deep learning architectures. In the four experiments carried out within the scope of the study, classification was made for the eight classes in the dataset, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma classification, benign keratosis and actinic keratosis classification, and finally benign and malignant disease classification. According to the results obtained, the best accuracy values of the experiments were obtained as 0.858, 0.929, 0.917, and 0.906, respectively. The study underscores the significance of early and accurate diagnosis in addressing skin cancer, a prevalent and potentially fatal condition. The primary aim of the preprocessing procedures was to attain enhanced performance results by concentrating solely on the area spanning the lesion instead of analyzing the complete image. Combining the suggested preprocessing strategy with deep learning techniques shows potential for enhancing skin cancer diagnosis, particularly in terms of sensitivity and specificity.
Advancements in 7T magnetic resonance diffusion imaging: Technological innovations and applications in neuroimaging
Authors: Nie Lisha , Li Siyi , Wu Bing , Xiong Yuhui , McGovern Jeffrey , Wang Yunling , Liang Huilou 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe development of 7‐Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance imaging systems has opened new avenues for exploring the advantages of diffusion imaging at higher field strengths, especially in neuroscience research. This review investigates whether 7T diffusion imaging offers significant benefits over lower field strengths by addressing the following: Technical challenges and corresponding strategies: Challenges include achieving shorter transverse relaxation/effective transverse relaxation times and greater B0 and B1 inhomogeneities. Advanced techniques including high‐performance gradient systems, parallel imaging, multi‐shot acquisition, and parallel transmission can mitigate these issues. Comparison of 3‐Tesla and 7T diffusion imaging: Technologies such as multiplexed sensitivity encoding and deep learning reconstruction (DLR) have been developed to mitigate artifacts and improve image quality. This comparative analysis demonstrates significant improvements in the signal‐to‐noise ratio and spatial resolution at 7T with a powerful gradient system, facilitating enhanced visualization of microstructural changes. Despite greater geometric distortions and signal inhomogeneity at 7T, the system shows clear advantages in high b‐value imaging and high‐resolution diffusion tensor imaging. Additionally, multiplexed sensitivity encoding significantly reduces image blurring and distortion, and DLR substantially improves the signal‐to‐noise ratio and image sharpness. 7T diffusion applications in structural analysis and disease characterization: This review discusses the potential applications of 7T diffusion imaging in structural analysis and disease characterization.
RETRACTED: Effect of Oridonin on Experimental Animal Model of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Wang Junfu , Xin Zhihong , Sun Chao , Ju Zhiye , Xue Xia , Jiang Wen , Xin Qian , Wang Jue , Zhang Zhaohua , Luan Yun 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a serious disease that occurs in premature and low‐birth‐weight infants. In recent years, the incidence of BPD has not decreased, and there is no effective treatment for it. Oridonin (Ori) is a traditional Chinese medicine with a wide range of biological activities, especially pharmacological and anti‐inflammatory. It is well known that inflammation plays a key role in BPD. However, the therapeutic effect of Ori on BPD has not been studied. Therefore, in the present study, we will observe the anti‐inflammatory activity of Ori in an experimental animal model of BPD. Here, we showed that Ori could significantly decrease hyperoxia‐induced alveolar injury, inhibit neutrophil recruitment, myeloperoxidase concentrations, and release inflammatory factors in BPD neonatal rats. Taken together, the experimental results suggested that Ori can significantly improve BPD in neonatal rats by inhibiting inflammatory response.
Evaluation of unmodified human cell‐derived extracellular vesicle mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid‐based biodistribution in rodents
Authors: Cho Young‐Woo , Cho Mi Young , Yoon Jaehyeon , Hong Da Eun , Lee Ju‐young , Park Hye Sun , Lee Hyunseung , Hong Kwan Soo , Won‐Kyu Lee , Saehae Choi , Song Suk‐Gil , Noh Young‐Woock 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRecently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been developed as therapeutic targets for various diseases. Biodistribution is crucial for EVs intended for therapeutic purposes because it can determine the degree of on‐ and off‐target effects. This study aimed to explore techniques to evaluate the biodistribution of unmodified EVs. We devised a novel quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)‐based assay to detect unmodified EVs by targeting mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA), a constituent of EVs. We focused on specific mtDNA regions that exhibited homologous variations distinct from their rodent mtDNA counterparts to establish this analytical approach. Herein, we successfully designed primers and probes targeting human and rodent mtDNA sequences and developed a highly specific and sensitive qPCR method. Furthermore, the quantification range of EVs isolated from various cells differed based on the manufacturer and cell source. IRDye 800CW‐labelled Expi293F EV mimetics were administered to the animals via the tail vein to compare the imaging test and mtDNA‐qPCR results. The results obtained from imaging tests and mtDNA‐qPCR to investigate EV biodistribution patterns revealed differences. The results revealed that our newly developed method effectively determined the biodistribution of unmodified EVs with high sensitivity and reproducibility.
IMERG BraMaL: An improved gridded monthly rainfall product for Brazil based on satellite‐based IMERG estimates and machine learning techniques
Authors: Freitas Emerson da Silva , Coelho Victor Hugo Rabelo , Bertrand Guillaume Francis , Lemos Filipe Carvalho , Almeida Cristiano das Neves 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPrecipitation is one of the main components of the hydrological cycle and its precise quantification is fundamental to providing information for the understanding and prediction of physical processes. Precipitation observations based on ground‐based devices (manual and automatic rain gauges) are highly accurate but have limited spatial coverage. On the other hand, remote sensing products cover large areas but with lower accuracy. In this context, this study aims to provide a more accurate monthly precipitation estimating product, with lower latency than other products but without directly relying on field data. The methodology consists of applying a machine learning method (k‐nearest neighbours algorithm) to satellite‐based remote sensing data (IMERG Early Run product) and re‐analysis‐based (MERRA‐2) variables with a particular connection to precipitation. The method was applied over the Brazilian territory, which features a large range of precipitation regimes. This methodology resulted in the development of an adjusted IMERG product (IMERG BraMaL). Compared with the original IMERG products (Early Run and Final Run), IMERG BraMaL has improved the evaluated metrics between ground‐based and satellite data in almost all analyses. For instance, KGE (Kling‐Gupta efficiency) went from lower values (0.70 and 0.82 for Early and Late Run, respectively) to values above 0.86 in the IMERG BraMaL. The adjusted product also presented superior performance statistics compared with other global precipitation products (CHIRPS, PERSIANN‐CDR, and MSWEP). The main advantages of IMERG BraMaL compared with IMERG Final Run are (i) much faster availability to the end‐users; (ii) non‐dependency on any field data, allowing its application in areas where rain gauge data is unavailable or of low quality; (iii) the non‐relationship of errors to local features; and (iv) the much‐improved estimations in regions in Brazil where, historically, satellite‐based products usually underestimate the observed data.
Spatiotemporal variability and underlying large‐scale atmospheric mechanisms causing the change in the Black Sea surface temperature and associated extreme precipitation events in the northeastern of Turkiye
Authors: Baltaci Hakki , Turk Mustafa Kemal 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSea surface temperature (SST) has an important local and remote influence on global climate through the distribution and transport of heat and moisture. As a result of climate forcing, significant changes occur in the SSTs, which result in many natural disasters such as supercharged storms, higher wind speeds, heavier precipitation and flooding. This study investigates the spatiotemporal changes and underlying atmospheric mechanisms of the Black Sea (BLS) surface temperature. For this purpose, National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) high‐resolution SST data (0.25°), which were verified with buoy observations, were used for the period 1982–2021. To investigate the circulation impacts, the relationship between North Atlantic Oscillation and East Atlantic/West Russia (EA/WR) phases and SSTs of the western BLS (WBLS) and eastern BLS (EBLS) was analysed. According to the results, SST values increased from 1.64°C (in winter) to 2.52°C (in summer) during the 40‐year period. Significant SST increases are shown in the EBLS during the summer and fall months. Statistically significant negative correlations (p < 0.05) were found between EA/WR and winter (r = −0.57) and summer (r = −0.56) SSTs in the EBLS. During winter, surface high located in the eastern Anatolia causes southerly winds, which blows from the terrestrial areas to the EBLS and result in above‐normal SST values. During summer (under negative EA/WR phases), the Azores high‐pressure centre extends to the Balkan Peninsula and WBLS and as a consequence, a significant amount of moisture associated with high sea surface temperature (>27°C, above‐normal 2.0°C) develops low‐level moisture convergence. Proper synoptic conditions, strong instability conditions between the surface and upper levels, and orographic forcing enable the occurrence of convective cloud cells. The movement of these cells to the northeastern part of Turkiye by strong northwesterly winds causes extreme precipitation and associated flash‐flood events in a limited area where land–sea interaction occurs (i.e., Artvin, Rize and Hopa provinces of Turkiye).
Use of neoadjuvant paclitaxel in breast angiosarcoma—Impact on surgical resection and response rates
Authors: Selby Luke V. , Clark Emma , Chen James L. , Tinoco Gabriel , Beane Joal D. , Pollock Raphael E. , Liebner David , Grignol Valerie P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveBreast angiosarcoma is a tumor that can arise as a primary breast tumor or in association with prior radiation therapy. Angiosarcomas are uniquely sensitive to paclitaxel. This study evaluated the impact neoadjuvant paclitaxel (NAC) therapy has on surgical outcomes, tumor recurrence, and survival in breast angiosarcomas.MethodsPatients with angiosarcoma of the breast, either primary or radiation‐associated, were identified from a prospective institutional database. Patients receiving NAC were compared to those treated with upfront surgery. Clinical and pathological variables were compared using Student's t‐test or Fisher's exact test, differences in survival were calculated using Kaplan–Meier methods.ResultsTwenty‐four patients with angiosarcoma of the breast were identified, 10 with primary angiosarcoma and 14 with radiation‐associated angiosarcoma. Twelve patients received NAC, 6 of each with primary angiosarcoma or radiation‐associated angiosarcoma. Of these 12 patients, 11 had a margin negative resection (91%) of which, nine had a complete pathological response on surgical pathology. Of the 12 surgery‐first patients, four (n = 4/12, 33%) had positive surgical margins, two of the four underwent reoperation. With a median follow‐up of 16 months, four NAC patients had recurrence (33%) compared to six patients in the surgery‐first group (58%) (p = 0.41). While not statistically significant, NAC patients had a 33% less risk of recurring compared to surgery‐first patients ([hazard ratio =0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.16–2.72; p = 0.6]).ConclusionNAC for breast angiosarcoma may be associated with high rates of complete pathological response and margin‐negative resection. However, this did not impact overall survival. Future prospective control studies and longer follow‐up periods are warranted to understand the impact on recurrence and survival.
Experiential attributes and benefits of transnational festivals
Authors: Gedecho Ermias Kifle , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Wondirad Amare 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDespite their significant impact on the well‐being of immigrants, the destination image of host countries, and preservation of heritage, transnational festivals have received limited research attention. This study aims to explore transnational festival attributes and their experiential benefits using a constructivist grounded theory approach to analyze two major Ethiopian transnational festivals that take place in the USA. Based on the research findings the study formulates five main domains of festival attributes: transnational religion, homeland atmosphere, volunteering, homeland people, and convenience. These attributes allow visitors to gain educational, spiritual, esthetic, social cohesion and volunteering experiential benefits, which are different from those of conventional festivals. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed along with study limitations and directions for future research.
High‐temperature oxidation of Cu–Al–Ni–Mn shape‐memory alloy
Authors: Gomes Edelize Angélica , Antunes Renato Altobelli , Mazzer Eric Marchezini , Lins Vanessa de Freitas Cunha 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe isothermal oxidation behavior of the Cu‐11.35Al‐3.2Ni‐3.5Mn (wt.%) shape‐memory alloy (SMA) in the temperature range of 500–900°C in oxygen was studied using the thermogravimetric (TG) method. TG curve showed that the alloy has parabolic isothermal oxidation characteristics. The effect of oxidation on the surface morphology and chemical composition of the Cu–Al–Ni–Mn alloy was determined by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. The oxidation rate of SMA increases up to 700°C, remains stable at 800°C, and increases again up to 900°C. The XPS analysis identified that the corrosion products mainly contained MnO2, MnO/Mn2O3, and Al2O3.