bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the financialization of water infrastructure in China: A public policy perspective
Authors: Wang Zhen , Ouyang Rulin , Li Yun , Wang Huanming , Cheng Zhe 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Insufficient funding for water infrastructure has become a notable challenge for China and other developing countries. In light of marketization and globalization, financialization has emerged as a potential avenue to address the financial difficulties. This study employs the PMC index model and cluster analysis method to quantitatively analyze the financialization of water infrastructure in China through a lens of public policy lens. The findings suggest that financialization has become a significant trend in water infrastructure, with public policy playing a critical role in water infrastructure development. This study contributes to the novel possibilities for studying water infrastructure financialization and offers a reference to policymakers and professionals for optimizing water infrastructure development.
Secondary risks induced by polyethylene microplastics during the disinfection processes of chlorination, UV irradiation, and ozone treatment
Authors: Zhang Yizhuo , Fu Shiyu , Lu Qinrui , Gao Shanxue , Wang Zheng , Chen Lei 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

The presence of microplastics in surface waters poses potential hazards to both organisms and human health. Traditional water treatment processes have proven to be inadequate in effectively removing microplastics. Besides, previous studies have often utilized disinfectant dosages that surpass those commonly employed in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), and the biotoxicity changes induced by microplastics after disinfection remain largely unexplored. To address these knowledge gaps, our study aimed to investigate the impact of practical disinfectant dosages on the leaching of organic compounds from microplastics and the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Furthermore, the resulting acute and genetic toxicity was evaluated through bioassays. Our findings revealed an elevated release of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from microplastics. Additionally, both acute and genetic toxicity increased following various disinfection processes. Specifically, chlorination exhibited the highest level of toxicity in short-term disinfection, while the pretreatment of ozonation followed by residual chlorination demonstrated the highest toxicity in the long-term disinfection, which was correlated with the concentration of CHCl3 formed. These findings will advance our understanding of the potential risks associated with microplastics during various disinfection processes, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding water supplies.
Assessment of hydrochemical characteristics and trace metals of Punpun River water – a tributary of the Ganga River
Authors: Ranjan Rashmi , Kaushik Himanshu , Ranjan Rajesh Kumar 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTThis manuscript presents the first inventory of dissolved ions (cations and anions) and trace metals (Pb, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) in the Punpun River water to assess its irrigational suitability, pollution sources and hydrogeochemical processes. For this, the physicochemical parameters and trace metals in river water were analysed in the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The results showed that the concentrations of cations and anions were Ca2+ &gt; Na+ &gt; Mg2+ &gt; K+ and HCO3− &gt; SO42- &gt; Cl− &gt; NO3− &gt; PO43-, respectively, in both the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. However, trace metal concentration in pre- and post-monsoon followed the trend of Pb &gt; Mn &gt; Cr &gt; Ni &gt; Cu &gt; Zn &gt; Co and Pb &gt; Ni &gt; Mn &gt; Cr &gt; Zn &gt; Co &gt; Cu, respectively. The results reveal that combined effects of rock weathering and evaporation-concentration influence hydrochemistry, along with anthropogenic factors like industrial effluents, urban domestic sewage and agricultural runoff. Piper and Durov plots suggest that the river water is dominated by Ca–Mg–HCO3− type, and the processes were governed by simple ion dissolution and mixing. However, the Gibbs plot shows that silicate and carbonate weathering govern the hydrochemical properties. Irrigational indices like sodium adsorption ratio, %Na, residual sodium carbonate, Kelly's ratio, magnesium hazard, and trace metals indicate that most of the water samples are suitable for irrigation. Comprehensive pollution index values suggest that the river water quality ranges from sub-clean to slightly to moderately polluted.
Differential Effect of 4H-Benzo[d] [1, 3]oxazines on the Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Fraire-Soto Ixamail , Araujo-Huitrado Jorge Gustavo , Granados-López Angelica Judith , Segura-Quezada Luis A. , Ortiz-Alvarado Rafael , Herrera Mayra Denise , Gutiérrez-Hernández Rosalinda , Reyes-Hernández Claudia Araceli , López-Hernández Yamilé , Tapia-Juárez Melissa , Negrete-Díaz José Vicente , Chacón-García Luis , Solorio-Alvarado César R. , López Jesús Adrián 
Published: April 2024

Background:
A family of 4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazines were obtained from a
group of N-(2-alkynyl)aryl benzamides precursors via gold(I) catalysed chemoselective
6-exo-dig C-O cyclization.

Methods:
The precursors and oxazines obtained were studied in breast cancer cell lines
MCF-7, CAMA-1, HCC1954 and SKBR-3 with differential biological activity showing
various degrees of inhibition with a notable effect for those that had an aryl substituted
at C-2 of the molecules. 4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazines showed an IC50 rating from 0.30 to
157.4 µM in MCF-7, 0.16 to 139 in CAMA-1, 0.09 to 93.08 in SKBR-3, and 0.51 to
157.2 in HCC1954 cells.

Results:
We observed that etoposide is similar to benzoxazines while taxol effect is
more potent. Four cell lines responded to benzoxazines while SKBR-3 cell line responded
to precursors and benzoxazines. Compounds 16, 24, 25 and 26 have the potent effect
in cell proliferation inhibition in the 4 cell lines tested and correlated with oxidant activity
suggesting a possible mechanism by ROS generation.

Conclusion:
These compounds represent possible drug candidates for the treatment of
breast cancer. However, further trials are needed to elucidate its full effect on cellular
and molecular features of cancer.
Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs against Coronaviruses
Authors: Gasmi Amin , Kanwal Sonia , Oliinyk Petro , Lysiuk Roman , Shanaida Mariia , Gasmi Benahmed Asma , Dushmantha Walallawita Kankanamge Tharindu , Arshad Maria , Kernychna Ivanna , Lenchyk Larysa , Upyr Taras , Shanaida Volodymyr , Bjørklund Geir 
Published: April 2024

Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral disease that infects the lower airways, causing severe
acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and fatal pneumonia. The ripple effect of the COVID-19 outbreak
has created serious problems in the healthcare systems of many countries and had far-reaching consequences
for the global economy. Thus, effective control measures should be implemented for this coronavirus infection
in the future. The ongoing episode of the SARS-CoV-2 sickness, COVID-19, in China, and the subsequent irregular
spread of contamination to different nations, has alarmed the clinical and academic community primarily
due to the deadly nature of this disease. Being a newly identified virus in the viral classification and having
the highest mutation rate, rapid therapeutics are not readily available for treating this ailment, leading to the
widespread of the disease and causing social issues for affected individuals. Evidence of Ayurveda and traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM) has been found in ancient civilizations, such as those of the Hindus, Babylonians,
Hebrews, and Arabs. Although TCM and Ayurvedic herbs do not promise to be very effective treatments
for this pandemic, they can reduce infectivity and virulence by enhancing immunity and showing effectiveness
in rehabilitation after COVID-19 disease. Thus, they could be used as sources of inhibitor molecules
for certain phenomena, such as viral replication, attachment to the host, 3CL protease inhibition, 3a ion channel
inhibitors, and reverse transcription inhibition. Medicinal plants from TCM and Ayurveda and their biologically
active phytoconstituents can effectively modulate the targets and pathways relevant to inflammation and
immune responses in human bodies. The present review analyzes the role of certain TCM and Ayurvedic
medicinal plants in healing COVID-19 infection. Medicinal plants such as Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Curcuma
longa (turmeric), and Zingiber officinale (ginger) are regarded as the main antiviral herbs. Their extracts
and individual bioactive compounds could be used as potential substances for developing remedies to prevent
or cure the coronavirus disease. Generally, antiviral phytochemicals obtained from natural sources are considered
potent candidates for fighting COVID-19 infection and rehabilitation after it.
Bear Bile Powder Improves Ulcerative Colitis by Protecting the Intestinal
Mechanical Barrier and Regulating Intestinal Flora
Authors: Liu Zi-Bo , Ye Xun , Wu Chun-Jie , Wei Da-Neng 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Bear Bile Powder (BBP) is a traditional Chinese medicine. It has been widely used in
clinical practices and has shown a good anti-inflammatory effect. However, its effectiveness in treating Ulcerative
Colitis (UC) has not yet been studied.

Objective:
To explore the therapeutic effect of BBP on ulcerative colitis and its potential mechanism by combining
acute ulcerative colitis mouse models and comprehensively observing various physiological and biochemical
indexes of mice.

Methods:
The acute ulcerative colitis model was induced by drinking water containing dextran sulfate sodium
salt (DSS) for 7 days. Studies were divided into Control, DSS, DSS+ Sulfasalazine (SASP, 450 mg/kg), and
DSS + bear bile powder group (BBP, 320 mg/kg). The Disease Activity Index (DAI) and colonic tissue damage
of mice were evaluated. Tissue immunofluorescence and western blot were used to determine related tight
Junction Proteins (TJs), and 16S V34 amplicon was used to analyze intestinal microorganisms. The therapeutic
effect of BBP on ulcerative colitis model mice was studied comprehensively.

Results:
After treatment, BBP can significantly improve the physiological condition of acute UC mice and reduce
DAI fraction. Compared with the DSS group, the BBP group significantly increased the colon length and
significantly decreased the injury fraction of acute UC mice. Regarding the intestinal mechanical barrier, BBP
significantly increased the expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin 1 protein in colon tissue. In terms of microbial
community, the intestinal microbial diversity of mice decreased after the administration of BBP, but
there was no significant difference in structural composition between the BBP group and the Control group.
By comparing the four groups of species with significant differences, it was found that the BBP group significantly
reduced the abundance of specific harmful microorganisms at the order, family, genus, and species levels.

Conclusion:
Oral administration of a certain dose of BBP can significantly improve the symptoms of ulcerative
colitis in mice. Part of the reason may be that it increases the expression of tight junction proteins, regulates
specific flora in the intestine of mice, and maintains intestinal barrier homeostasis. In the future, the clinical
application value of BBP will be explored, and BBP will be developed as a drug with the potential to treat
UC and alleviate the pain of UC patients.
Synthesis, Thermotropic Properties, and Applications of Porphyrin-based Liquid
Crystals: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ghosh Tapas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract:
Research on novel discotic molecules, which consist of a rigid core with flexible peripheral chains,
has gained much attention due to their crucial role as organic photovoltaic materials, organic field-effect transistors,
and semiconductors for photocurrent generation, as well as the possibility of their other optoelectronic
applications. This review article describes the developments in fundamental design ideas and synthetic approaches
of porphyrin-based meso and beta-substituted liquid crystals. In addition, the current review highlights
the various structural alterations made by the researchers in the field of porphyrin-based mesogens and changes
in properties, both for materials intended for commercially successful liquid crystal displays, including other
applications, and for more basic purposes of demonstrating structure-property relationships.
Chitosan-Based Nanocarriers for Pulmonary and Intranasal Drug
Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Overview of their Applications
Authors: Alwahsh Wasan , Sahudin Shariza , Alkhatib Hatim , Bostanudin Mohammad F. , Alwahsh Mohammad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract:
The optimization of respiratory health is important, and one avenue for achieving this is
through the application of both Pulmonary Drug Delivery System (PDDS) and Intranasal Delivery
(IND). PDDS offers immediate delivery of medication to the respiratory system, providing advantages,
such as sustained regional drug concentration, tunable drug release, extended duration of action,
and enhanced patient compliance. IND, renowned for its non-invasive nature and swift onset
of action, presents a promising path for advancement. Modern PDDS and IND utilize various polymers,
among which Chitosan (CS) stands out. CS is a biocompatible and biodegradable
polysaccharide with unique physicochemical properties, making it well-suited for medical and
pharmaceutical applications. The multiple positively charged amino groups present in CS facilitate
its interaction with negatively charged mucous membranes, allowing CS to adsorb easily onto
the mucosal surface. In addition, CS-based nanocarriers have been an important topic of research.
Polymeric Nanoparticles (NPs), liposomes, dendrimers, microspheres, nanoemulsions, Solid Lipid
Nanoparticles (SLNs), carbon nanotubes, and modified effective targeting systems compete as important
ways of increasing pulmonary drug delivery with chitosan. This review covers the latest
findings on CS-based nanocarriers and their applications.
Role of Non-coding RNAs on the Radiotherapy Sensitivity and Resistance in Cancer Cells
Authors: Jalali-Zefrei Fatemeh , Mousavi Seyed Mehdi , Delpasand Kourosh , Shourmij Mohammad , Farzipour Soghra 
Published: April 2024

:
Radiotherapy (RT) is an integral part of treatment management in cancer patients. However,
one of the limitations of this treatment method is the resistance of cancer cells to radiotherapy.
These restrictions necessitate the introduction of modalities for the radiosensitization of cancer
cells. It has been shown that Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), along with modifiers, can act as radiosensitivity
and radioresistant regulators in a variety of cancers by affecting double strand break
(DSB), wnt signaling, glycolysis, irradiation induced apoptosis, ferroptosis and cell autophagy.
This review will provide an overview of the latest research on the roles and regulatory mechanisms
of ncRNA after RT in in vitro and preclinical researches.
Nomogram to Predict 90-Day All-Cause Mortality in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients after Endovascular Thrombectomy
Authors: Zhang Shiya , Yu Shuai , Wang Xiaocui , Guo Zhiliang , Hou Jie , Wang Huaishun , Huang Zhichao , Xiao Guodong , You Shoujiang 
Published: April 2024

Objective:
Although Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT) significantly improves the
prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion, the mortality rate
remains higher. This study aimed to construct and validate a nomogram for predicting 90-day
all-cause mortality in AIS patients with large vessel occlusion and who have undergone EVT.

Methods:
AIS patients with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation who underwent
EVT from May 2017 to December 2022 were included. 430 patients were randomly split into a
training group (N=302) and a test group (N=128) for the construction and validation of our
nomogram. In the training group, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine
the predictors of 90-day all-cause mortality. The C-index, calibration plots, and decision
curve analysis were applied to evaluate the nomogram performance.

Results:
Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed neurological deterioration during hospitalization,
age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, occlusive
vessel location, malignant brain edema, and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as the independent
predictors of 90-day all-cause mortality (all p ≤ 0.039). The C-index of the training and
test groups was 0.891 (95%CI 0.848-0.934) and 0.916 (95% CI: 0.865-0.937), respectively,
showing the nomogram to be well distinguished. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test
revealed the p-values for both the internal and external verification datasets to be greater than
0.5.

Conclusion:
Our nomogram has incorporated relevant clinical and imaging features, including
neurological deterioration, age, baseline NIHSS score, occlusive vessel location, malignant brain
edema, and NLR ratio, to provide an accurate and reliable prediction of 90-day all-cause mortality
in AIS patients undergoing EVT.
The Current Landscape in the Development of Small-molecule Modulators Targeting Sphingosine-1-phosphate Receptors to Treat Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Kar Sidhartha Sankar , Gharai Soumya Ranjan , Sahu Sujit Kumar , Ravichandiran Velayutham , Swain Sharada Prasanna 
Published: April 2024

:
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is extensively researched as a lysophospholipid and is
crucial in various physiological and pathological processes. It achieves this via signalling through
five different subtypes of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), namely S1PR1 to S1PR5. S1PR
modulators possess the ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier, potentially leading to direct
actions within the Central Nervous System (CNS). S1PR modulators specifically bind to
receptors located on the surface of naive and central memory lymphocytes, causing these cells to
be trapped or confined within the lymph node. The investigation of the S1P pathway has resulted
in the approval of three S1PR modulators, namely fingolimod, siponimod, and ozanimod, as
medications for the treatment of patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Additionally,
new S1PR modulators, such as ponesimod and etrasimod, are currently being developed and
tested in clinical trials. Research on the creation of S1P modulators in neurodegenerative illnesses
is ongoing as scientists continue to explore novel possibilities for selective S1P modulators. This
study provides a concise overview of sphingolipid metabolism, the mechanism by which S1P
receptors are affected, and the structural characteristics of several small molecule S1P
modulators, with a particular focus on their structure-activity connections.
Envisioning Clinical Management of Breast Cancer: a Comprehensive Review
Authors: Das Shubhashree , Pattnaik Gurudutta , Pattanaik Sovan , Jena Bikash Ranjan , Satapathy Bhabani Sankar , Pradhan Ayushi 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Background: Coming to the edge of disease manufacturing in the twenty--
first-century, breast cancer occupies a terrifying scenario in the globe, especially in adult women.
Its curiosity endeavours remarkable advances made during the past decennaries for cancer treatment
and diagnosis.

Objective:
It accounts for the fifth leading cause of transience, killing approximately 570,000 people
per annum. To reduce the prognosis of clinical oncological development with the application
of a new chemical entity, some of the critical challenges, like active pharmaceutical ingredients
with high chemical resistance, extreme side effects, and high treatment costs are some of the limitations
in the curbing aspects of breast melanoma.

Methods:
In cancer research, hence, the development of drugs that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective
remains a 'Holy Grail' that may be considered as a boon to target the malignant tissues
with novel therapeutics devices.

Results:
Through the findings on overcoming the drawbacks of traditional methods, researchers
have given special attention to cancer-preventive and theranostic approaches based on some novel
drug delivery systems.

Conclusion:
The present study forecasts the wide-ranging modern applications, and on developing
some novel liposomal drug delivery therapy against breast cancer.
Probiotic Supplementation during Pregnancy: Evaluating the Current Clinical Evidence against Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Pavlidou Eleni , Alexatou Olga , Tsourouflis Gerasimos , Antasouras Georgios , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Papandreou Dimitrios , Sampani Anastasia , Giaginis Constantinos 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) constitutes a common metabolic
disorder that could lead to deleterious short- and long-term complications in both the mother
and her infant. Probiotic supplementation seems to exert diverse, healthy effects by acting as a
preventive agent against various human diseases, including GDM.

Objective:
The purpose of the current narrative review was to critically summarize and scrutinize
the available clinical studies during the last 15 years (2008-2023) concerning the use of
probiotic supplementation during pregnancy as a protecting agent against GDM.

Methods:
A thorough and in-depth search was performed in the most accurate scientific databases,
e.g., PubMed., Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar applying effective, and relevant
keywords.

Results:
There are currently some clinical studies suggesting the potential beneficial impact of
probiotic supplementation in the prevention and/or co-treatment of GDM. Nevertheless, there is
a high heterogeneity amongst the available clinical studies concerning the dosage, the administration
duration, the probiotic species types, the method designs and protocols, and the study
populations.

Conclusion:
Probiotic supplementation at conventional dosages and in combination with a balanced
healthy diet, and lifestyle seems to reduce the the risk of developing GDM, while ameliorating
the severity of its symptoms. Further clinical studies taking into account the above considerations
should be performed to establish conclusive results, while the future meta-analyses
should include studies with the feasibly lowest heterogeneity.