bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Informing spatial distributions and temporal variations of grass pollen sources in urban landscapes using 10 m Sentinel-2 data
Authors: Liu Yuxia , Huete Alfredo , Xie Qiaoyun , Davies Janet M , Beggs Paul J , Abdollahi Abolfazl , Pradhan Biswajeet , Zhang Xiaoyang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Grass pollen is a globally prevalent allergen, known to trigger allergic reactions such as hay fever and asthma. Australia, in particular, exhibits one of the highest rates of asthma and hay fever prevalence and morbidity. Accurate mapping of grass pollen sources is crucial for enhancing the capabilities of grass pollen forecast systems. This is especially important in urban landscapes, where the allergenicity associated with urban grass spaces has recently garnered increased attention. However, the spatial distribution of grass in urban landscapes is not well represented in existing coarse-resolution land cover maps. In this study, we evaluated the uncertainties inherent in coarser land cover maps, i.e., Dynamic Land Cover Dataset (DLCD) and Australian Land Use and Management Classification (ALUM) land maps, by comparing them with a 10-m grass map generated from Sentinel-2 data. Subsequently, we characterized the seasonal and inter-annual variations in grass pollen sources surrounding a pollen trap in Sydney, Australia, based on the correlations between the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) of grass and grass pollen concentrations. Our results show that (1) the 10-m Sentinel-2 grass map effectively excludes non-grass features, thereby improving correlation with in-situ grass phenology observations; (2) the correlations between grass EVI, filtered by Sentinel-2 grass map, and grass pollen concentrations varied across different land plots with varied grass fractions, but the grass fraction was not the primary controlling factor; (3) The pollen trap station exhibited significant seasonal and inter-annual variability in grass pollen sources, necessitating further investigation into the meteorological influences on grass phenology and pollen emissions. This study demonstrates the promising performance of Sentinel-2 data in identifying the spatial distribution of grasses, improving the characterization of grass greenness, and mapping grass pollen sources with finer spatial resolution. These findings provide robust data support to enhance our understanding of grass pollen aerobiology in urban areas.
Illitization of smectite influenced by chemical weathering and its potential control of anatase formation in altered volcanic ashes
Authors: Liu Chen , Fang Qian , Hong Hanlie , Song Qian , Ji Kaipeng , Gong Nina , Shen Xibing , Algeo Thomas J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Illitization of smectite in sedimentary systems, a process akin to “reverse weathering,” is a diagenetic process that has significant implications for sediment paragenesis and hydrocarbon exploration. However, the potential influence of chemical weathering on the illitization of smectite and its possible control of the neogenesis of titanium (Ti)-oxides remain unclear. Altered volcanic tephra layers (i.e., K-bentonites) characterized by an interstratified illite-smectite (I-S) clay mineralogy serve as an excellent medium to investigate the illitization of smectite. In this study, we first investigated the fine structure of clay minerals and in situ nano-mineralogy of Ti-bearing minerals from altered volcanic ashes and then undertook a meta-analysis of geochemical compositional data for bentonites spanning a wide range of ages and depositional environments globally. We found that Ti mainly occurs as discrete micrometer-scale magmatic srilankite and nanoscale authigenic anatase crystals. During the weathering process, the magmatic srilankite partly dissolved under acidic conditions, resulting in a local buildup of Ti in porewaters. The I-S displays a platy habit and curved edges and is found closely associated with anatase crystals under TEM. Our compilation results combined with microscopic evidence suggest that chemical weathering may potentially promote the illitization reaction by changing the chemical composition of the fluids through increased terrestrial inputs and by creating larger pore spaces through the decomposition of weatherable components. Positive correlations between K and Ti are especially common in (K-)bentonites that are dominated by I-S, suggesting that I-S can adsorb Ti during the weathering process and provide a suitable site for the nucleation of anatase. Our study highlights the role of chemical weathering in the illitization of smectite and their combined effect on the formation of Ti-oxides.
Extrusion and Co-extrusion: A Technology in Probiotic Encapsulation
with Alternative Materials
Authors: Homayouni-Rad Aziz , Mortazavian Amir M. , Pourjafar Hadi , Moghadam Saba Kamalledin 
Published: January 2024

:
Encapsulation, in particular extrusion and co-extrusion, is a common practice to protect
probiotics from the harsh conditions of the digestive tract as well as processing. Hydrocolloids,
including proteins and carbohydrates, natural or modified, are a group of ingredients used
as the wall material in extrusion. Hydrocolloids, due to their specific properties, can significantly
improve the probiotic survivability of the final powder during the microencapsulation process
and storage. The present article will discuss the different kinds of hydrocolloids used for microencapsulation
of probiotics by extrusion and co-extrusion, along with new sources of novel
gums and their potential as wall material.
Convection-enhanced Diffusion: A Novel Tactics to Crack the BBB
Authors: Dhanawat Meenakshi , Garima  , Wilson Kashish , Gupta Sumeet , Chalotra Rishabh , Gupta Nidhi 
Published: January 2024

:
Although the brain is very accessible to nutrition and oxygen, it can be difficult to deliver
medications to malignant brain tumours. To get around some of these issues and enable the use of
therapeutic pharmacological substances that wouldn't typically cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB),
convection-enhanced delivery (CED) has been developed. It is a cutting-edge strategy that gets beyond
the blood-brain barrier and enables targeted drug administration to treat different neurological
conditions such as brain tumours, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. Utilizing pressure gradients to
spread the medicine across the target area is the main idea behind this diffusion mechanism. Through
one to several catheters positioned stereotactically directly within the tumour mass, around the tumour,
or in the cavity created by the resection, drugs are given. This method can be used in a variety
of drug classes, including traditional chemotherapeutics and cutting-edge investigational targeted
medications by using positive-pressure techniques. The drug delivery volume must be optimized for
an effective infusion while minimizing backflow, which causes side effects and lowers therapeutic
efficacy. Therefore, this technique provides a promising approach for treating disorders of the central
nervous system (CNS).
Towards Antiviral Potential of Biomolecules Derived from Adhatod avasica
as Competent Natural Molecules to Treat COVID-19 Virus Variant
Authors: Asif Mohammad , Yusuf Mohd , Almehmadi Mazen , Alsaiari Ahad Amer , Allahyani Mamdouh , Aljuaid Abdulelah , Alsharif Abdulaziz 
Published: January 2024

Abstract:
Adhatoda vasica (L.) (Acanthaceae) has essential therapeutic roles and is widely used in
the indigenous medicine system or Ayurvedic system of medicine. The important goals of the present
study are to report the in-silico anti-corona (COVID-19) activity of different phytochemicals
present in A. vasica. This study will help to find specific bioactive compounds, and their use as anti-
COVID-19 action for human welfare. A. vasica has chemical phytoconstituents with diverse pharmacological
activities. These phytoconstituents have been found active against many diseases such as
antibacterial, antitubercular, antivirus, antitussive, hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory, antiulcer, antiurolithiatic,
abortifacient, radio modulator, cardio-protection, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer,
thrombolytic, antimutagenic, etc. Researchers have been lured to the use of natural and sustainable
products with substantial therapeutic potential in the current climate of environmental preservation
and safe use. These materials permit biological activity, safety, and compatibility with the environment.
Using the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor (6M0J), we evaluated Adhatoda vasica biomolecules
for the Covid-19 variant (RBD- COV-2-S). This study is very encouraging and indicates that herbs
should be studied more extensively for their therapeutic benefits.
Prevalence and Outcomes of Infections in Critically-ill Paediatric Oncology Patients: A Retrospective Observation Study
Authors: Leung Karen K.Y. , Ho Pak Leung , Wong Sally C.Y. , Chan Wilson Y.K. , Hon Kam Lun Ellis 
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
The survival of paediatric oncology patients has improved substantially in the
past decades due to advances in the field of oncology. Modern cancer treatments often come with
life-threatening complications, of which infection is one of the most common causes in this patient
population. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and outcomes of common infections
in haemato-oncology patients during their stay in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and
to identify any factors associated with these infections

Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted on all children with a haemato-oncology
diagnosis or who underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and who were
admitted to the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital PICU over a one-year period. Infection characteristics
and patient outcomes were evaluated and compared between different sub-groups. Univariable
and multi-variable analyses were employed to identify risk factors associated with the development
of active infection.

Results:
Forty-five (36.3%) of 124 critically ill haemato-oncology admissions to PICU were associated
with infections, of which 31 (25%) admissions involved bacterial infections, 26 (20.9%) involved
viral infections and 6 (4.8%) involved fungal infections. Bloodstream infection was the
most common type of infection. More than half (61.3%) of the bacterial infections were due to an
antibiotic-resistant strain. After adjusting for confounding variables, post-HSCT status and neutropenia
were significantly associated with active infections.

Conclusion:
Infections in critically-ill haemato-oncological patients are associated with post haematopoietic
stem cell transplant status and neutropenia. Further study is warranted to review effective
strategies that may mitigate the likelihood of infection in this patient population.
Serum Gamma Glutamyl Transferase: Understanding its Contribution as a Potential Predictor of the Occurrence of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Anupam Sristi , Goel Simran , Bhatti Karun , Mehta Dinesh Kumar , Das Rina 
Published: January 2024

Introduction:
The liver and kidneys are the primary locations of the glutathione metabolism enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The two main factors contributing to an
increase are hepatic illnesses and excessive alcohol use. This study set out to test a theory on the
predictive importance of the association between GGT and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. (T2DM).

Methods:
In order to do this, we combed through PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and Science Direct for a wide range of information from previous studies. Attributes were established at
the outset and compared to GGT concentration.

Result:
GGT, present in most cells, absorbs glutathione for intracellular antioxidant defences.
This study links GGT to hepatic enzymes including HDL, LDL, and triglyceride. LDL, triglycerides, AST, and ALT increased with GGT concentration, but LDL decreased. Because of obesity,
GGT production rises with BMI. We found that greater GGT levels were associated with more
T2DM after analysing data from multiple sources.

Conclusion:
This literature review concludes that GGT is related to other factors such as BMI,
HDL, AST, and triglycerides in the development of diabetes mellitus. Serum GGT was found to
be a potential predictor of metabolic syndrome and T2DM
Diabetic Retinopathy Leading to Blindness- A Review
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Kumar Ranjeet , Sharma Amit 
Published: January 2024

Abstract:
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes
that damages the retina, leading to blindness. People with type 1 diabetes are at greater risk of
developing DR than people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy may be divided into two
primary categories: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
(NPDR). There are multiple risk factors for the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy,
such as hypertension, obesity, smoking, duration of diabetes, and genetics. Numerous
investigations have evaluated the levels of a wide range of inflammatory chemokines within DR
patients' serum, vitreous, and aqueous fluids. In diabetic retinopathy, the vitreous fluid exhibited
rises in angiogenic factors like platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) or declines in antiangiogenic factors like pigment epithelium-derived factor
(PEDF). For prevention of diabetic retinopathy, more physical activity as well as less sedentary
behavior were linked to a reduced likelihood of DR. Supplementing with nutraceuticals containing
vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, and l-methyl folate) and mineral (zinc) can help decrease or
avoid an outbreak of DR. Only laser photocoagulation and Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor
(Anti-VEGF) injections are advised as favorable therapies in severe retinopathy. When it comes
to treating DR's VEGF levels, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, Traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM) has an excellent future.
Future is Brighter: New Potential Paradigm-Shifting Medications and
Regimens for Diabetes and Obesity
Authors: Al-Horani Rami A. , Aliter Kholoud F. , Aliter Hashem F. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract:
Diabetes is a chronic illness that can become debilitating owing to its microvascular
and macrovascular complications. Its prevalence is increasing and so is its cost. Diabetes, particularly
type 2, appears to have a very close relationship with obesity. While lifestyle modifications,
exercises, and current therapeutics have substantially improved clinical outcomes, the need for
new therapeutics and regimens continue to exist. Several new medications and regimens for diabetes,
obesity, and diabesity are showing promising results in advanced clinical trials. For type 1
diabetes mellitus (T1DM), they include teplizumab, ustekinumab, jakinibs, and cell therapies,
whereas for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), they include once-weakly insulin, tirzepatide, high
oral dose of semaglutide, orforglipron, retatrutide, CagriSema, and survodutide. Given their structural
and mechanistic diversity as well as their substantial efficacy and safety profiles, these medications
and regimens are paradigm shifting and promise a brighter future. They will likely enable
better disease prevention and management. This review will provide details about each of the
above strategies to keep the scientific community up to date about progress in the fields of diabetes
and obesity
Association between Gut Microbiota Compositions with Microvascular
Complications in Individuals with Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hasani Motahareh , Asadi Pilerud Zahra , Kami Atefe , Abbas Vaezi Amir , Sobhani Sahar , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat , Qorbani Mostafa 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Diabetes is one of the chronic and very complex diseases that can lead to
microvascular complications. Recent evidence demonstrates that dysbiosis of the microbiota
composition might result in low-grade, local, and systemic inflammation, which contributes directly
to the development of diabetes mellitus and its microvascular consequences.

Objective:
The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the association between diabetes
microvascular complications, including retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and gut microbiota
composition.

Methods:
A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science from
database inception to March 2023. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed
by two independent authors. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used
for quality assessment.

Results:
About 19 articles were selected from 590 retrieved articles. Among the included studies,
nephropathy has been studied more than other complications of diabetes, showing that the composition
of the healthy microbiota is changed, and large quantities of uremic solutes that cause
kidney injury are produced by gut microbes. Phyla, including Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria,
accounted for the majority of the variation in gut microbiota between Type 2 diabetic patients
with and without neuropathy. In cases with retinopathy, an increase in pathogenic and proinflammatory
bacteria was observed.

Conclusion:
Conclusion: Our results revealed that increases in Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria
may be associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy.

:
In view of the detrimental role of intestinal dysbiosis in the development of diabetes-related complications,
gut microbiota assessment may be used as a biomarker in the future and interventions
that modulate the composition of microbiota in individuals with diabetes can be used to prevent
and control these complications.
Health Risk Assessment of Synthetic Tartrazine Dye in some Food
Products in Qom Province (Iran)
Authors: Aali Rahim , Yari Ahmad Reza , Ghafuri Yadollah , Behnamipour Somaye 
Published: January 2024

Background::
There is extensive evidence of tartrazine dye being used in foodstuff
of Qom markets in Iran.

Objective::
This study evaluates the synthetic tartrazine dye in some food products and the
health risks caused by tartrazine consumption in Qom province.

Methods::
The study has two stages: First, 125 food product samples, including confectionary
products (e.g., candy (Nabat), Poolaky, Charkhandi, cream, and non-cream sweets) and restaurant
products (barbecued chicken), were tested. In the second stage, the risk of exposure to tartrazine
was evaluated.

Results::
The results showed that 36.8% of samples in confectionery products (15.8 ± 5.1
mg/kg) and 41.3% of samples in restaurant food (41.5±7.9) were colored with tartrazine dye.
Based on the obtained results, all values of tartrazine levels in the food samples had not exceeded
the maximum tartrazine limit (mg/kg) in food products. Also, the results of exposure
estimation and hazard quotient of tartrazine in age groups revealed that the HQ for age groups
was smaller than 1. Therefore, they show no considerable risk for tartrazine dye intake according
to the food samples in Iran’s market. The probability of total risk (95%) was calculated using
Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, the mean risk calculated for childhood (5 -12) and adult
years (36-55) were determined as 9.35 E-5 and 9.24 E-5, respectively.

Conclusion::
This study showed the nonsignificant health risk of exposure to tartrazine in all
study groups according to the amount and frequency of exposure. However, it is recommended
to raise awareness among people concerning the health risks of artificial dye (especially tartrazine
in food), conduct more research for risk assessment of tartrazine, and monitor related data.
Unwillingness to have Vaginal Delivery among Iranian Women: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Momenimovahed Zohre , Khalajinia Zohre 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Cesarean section imposes a huge social and economic cost on the individual
and health care system. Iran is one of the countries that have experienced a significant increase
in cesarean section in recent decades. There are few studies on the causes of women's reluctance
to give natural birth. This study was conducted to determine the women’s unwillingness to have
vaginal delivery through qualitative methods.

Methods:
The present qualitative study was conducted between March to July 2023 at private and
three public centers in Qom City. Purposeful sampling was used and based on inclusion criteria;
17 women were recruited in the study. MAXQDA software was used to analyze and manage the
qualitative data.

Results:
Three main categories appeared from the data analysis, which included individual factors,
professional factors, and social factors. The findings of this study showed that beliefs, fear,
lack of knowledge, previous experiences, and psychological factors are the most important individual
factors that cause unwillingness to give birth vaginally. Factors related to midwives and physicians,
birth environment, social modeling, and legal protection affected women’s decision to
choose cesarean delivery.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study showed that unwillingness to have vaginal delivery by women
is an issue that has various reasons. These reasons remind us that education, awareness, and
support in prenatal care should be considered more than ever. In addition, treatment systems play
a role in increasing cesarean section, so it is the responsibility of midwifery and obstetric experts
to make improvements in the treatment systems.
A Detailed Overview of the Role of Resveratrol in Feminine Care: Multiple Health Care Benefits
Authors: Pal Rashmi Saxena , Pal Yogendra , Chaitanya MVNL , Salahuddin  
Published: January 2024

:
Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenol generated from plants. It is an organic substance that
can be found in grapes, some berries, as well as other fruits and nuts. Numerous health benefits, such
as anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-ischemic, anti-aging, steroidogenic effects,
and antioxidant effects, have been demonstrated for it. Clinical trials show that it is technically safe
to take resveratrol in doses up to 5 g per day. Resveratrol has an effect on the most common problems
related to pregnancy and has an impact on embryogenesis and the reproductive health of women since
it is a phytoestrogen. This paper could serve as a foundation for more in-depth clinical research on
various perspectives of resveratrol.