bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Risk of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals in Commercial Baby Formula in Malawi
Authors: Kachipande Andrew , Temba Ben , Materu Silvia , Kaonga Chikumbusko 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as organochlorine pesticides (OCP) and some heavy metals disturb important life functions such as reproduction, metabolism, and growth by interfering with the normal functionality of the human hormonal system. These toxic and persistent chemicals used in agricultural and industrial processes, can enter the baby formula and remain effective for extended periods. These EDCs come from environmental contamination and the manufacturing process of the baby formula.
Materials and method
In this study, we examined the levels and risk of EDC contamination in a sample of 85 baby formula products available in the Malawian market. Extraction was done using the EU CEN 15662 QuEChERS method and then analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography with fluorescence to quantify OCP contamination. For heavy metals, samples were digested and analyzed using the Analytik Jena microwave digestion system (TOPwave_90_09) and an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, respectively. The risk of exposure was computed using a hypothetical consumption of infant formula at 12 and 24 months, and weight ranges of 9.25–12.247 kg with corresponding average daily intakes of 0.057–0.2kg.
Results
EDC contamination ranged from not detected to 0.3 mg/kg. Common EDCs were Aldrin (23%), dieldrin (27%), and lindane (35%). The risk assessment showed a Hazard Index of 1.2. This suggests higher levels of exposure, are more likely to have lasting effects during human development. The detection levels were above the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended maximum residual limit of 0.01mg/kg.
Conclusion
Considering the health implications and susceptibility of the babies, it is pertinent to enforce and closely monitor the EDC content of baby formulas in the Malawi market.
Beneath the surface: co-habitation of land crabs recruits of Johngarthia lagostoma and its relevance for conservation on oceanic islands
Authors: Pinheiro Marcelo Antonio Amaro , Silva Isabella Dias e , Kriegler Nicholas , Santana William , João Marcio Camargo Araujo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Gecarcinid crabs have their life cycles in antagonistic scenarios, with their larvae developing in the sea and the juvenile/adult phases occurring on land. Adults migrate from land to sea to release their larvae, which return to land upon reaching the megalopa stage. Recruitment and early instar traits in land crabs remain unknown, leading to some species lacking age-specific information. It is expected that recruits exhibit cryptic behavior, potentially occupying conspecific burrows. We evaluated whether recruits of Johngarthia lagostoma (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) on Trindade Island, Brazil, co-inhabit larger conspecific burrows, describing this occurrence, and examining their growth patterns, density, and body size across different lunar phases. Johngarthia lagostoma recruits inhabit conspecific burrows, either abandoned or occupied by adult crabs, but always with leaves stored in the inner chamber. Recruits in co-inhabiting behavior reach a maximum carapace width of 7.3 mm and, after that, they are likely detected by the adults and possibly cannibalized or leave burrows naturally. During the full moon, the higher density and smaller size of recruits were recorded, indicating a recruitment lunar phase. It is crucial to ascertain the prevalence of co-inhabitation behaviors in other land crab species to expand the knowledge about recruitment patterns in these key community species.
La educación como factor de promoción social: ¿un paradigma en vía de extinción?
Authors: Mendieta Claudia Patricia 
Published: February 2024

Este artículo hace una reflexión de la educación como factor de la promoción social. Se discute el cambio paradigmático de la educación en el contexto de las sociedades neoliberales. Algunas preguntas que se dejan abiertas en este artículo ¿Será que la educación como factor de promoción social es un paradigma en vía de extinción? ¿Esta premisa se aplicaría a nivel mundial…o sólo a América Latina? ¿Debemos apostarle a un nuevo modelo de educación? ¿Cuál es el tipo de educación por la que debemos propender? ¿Cómo potenciar el aprendizaje en el ser humano aún por encima de la misma educación?
STEPHEN THE LITTLE IN HIS AND OUR TIMES
Authors: Маrоyеvich Radmilo N. 
Published: February 2024

Two decades ago the article ‘Mountain Wreath and our language, linguistic and social reality’ was published (Maroyevich, 2002:pp.63–93). The basic postulates of the study were later reflected in a debate on lexical homonymy in a critical issue of the edition of the epic The Mountain Wreath (Maroyevich, 2005:pp.366–400). Following a series, the final part of Nyegosh’s epic trilogy encompassing The Ray of Microcosm, the epic The Mountain Wreath and the epic Stephen the Little, are considered as ‘a revelation of Nyegosh’ by which some contemporary events and phenomena can be explained.
The current issue of this topic deals with the contemporary usurper, students of divinity and language creators and particularly some ethnics. The name Crnogorci had only geographical and territorial meaning ‛The Serbs the inhabitants of Montenegro’, but today there is a tendency to establish this name as the name for one special nation. The name Boshnyaci had also only geographical and territorial meaning ‛the Serbs from Bosnia independent of their religion’, and nowadays there is tendency to proclaim them as being only a special nation of Islamic religious and cultural tradition. The name Arbanаsi is the name of a particular nation described in the epic Stephen the Little from the standpoint of view of aspects of their etnical characteristics that are actual even nowadays. That term is morphologically and semantically related to the area of Arbana (in Serbian as a result of metathesis of liquids: Rabana) where the Shiptars (their ethnical self term) first settled. The concept of swear word (bound by oath) with the Serbs and (new)Turks is also analysed in this paper: that concept within the overall macroconcept of face is respected by the Islamised Serbs in the Turkish camp, while the Turkish solid faith as a variant of the concept turned into a means of deception.
From drainage to resource: a practice approach to reuse greywater for household irrigation purposes
Authors: Ho Ngo Anh Dao , Leo Choe Peng , Ta Anh Tuan , Nguyen Thanh Quang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The United Nations indicates that available freshwater resources will decrease significantly due to pollution growth and urbanization; two-thirds of the world's population may face water shortages by 2030. Extended use of greywater is an alternative option for reducing potable water consumption in urban areas. Recently, the reuse of treated greywater for home gardens, peri-urban agriculture, and landscaping has become a widespread concern in many developing countries. This paper presents a study on a low-cost system that can perform greywater treatment for household use. This treatment system employed physical filtration by ceramic filters, quartz gravel, hollow fiber membrane, and UV disinfection. Three greywater samples collected from the kitchen, washing basins, and bathroom were investigated. The operation process determines the system's effectiveness by considering turbidity, coliform, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) concentration of the inlet and outlet water. As a result, high removal efficiency (i.e., &gt;60%) could be obtained for each investigated parameter. Results also showed that grey water generated from washing basins has the highest potential for reuse since the water quality after treatment satisfies the water reuse standards for household irrigation. The findings encourage further exploration and implementation of greywater reuse practices.
Binding of Nucleotide Inhibitors to the NS5 RdRp of the ZIKA Virus
in the Replication Initiation State
Authors: Pant Suyash , Jena Nihar R. 
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION:
The bindings of several ribonucleoside triphosphate (NTP)
inhibitors to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the Zika virus (ZIKV)
are studied herein to identify potential drug-like candidates that can inhibit the replication
of the viral genome by RdRp.

METHOD:
In this study, a guanosine triphosphate (GTP) bound RdRp structure is generated
to model the replication initiation state of RdRp. Subsequently, the bindings of 30
NTP inhibitors to the GTP binding site of RdRp are studied in detail by using the molecular
docking method. Based on the docking scores, four NTP inhibitors, such as 2'-Cmethyl-
adenosine-5′-triphosphate (mATP), 7-deaza-2'-C-methyladenosine-TP (daza--
mATP), 1-N6-Ethenoadenosine-5′-triphosphate (eATP), and Remdesivir-5′-triphosphate
(RTP) are shortlisted for further analysis by employing molecular dynamics simulations
and binding free-energy methods.

RESULTS:
These inhibitors are found to bind to RdRp quite strongly, as evident from
their relative binding free energies that lie between -31.54±4.54 to -89.46±4.58 kcal/-
mol. As the binding of RTP to the GTP site of RdRp generates the most stable complex,
which is about 45 kcal/mol more stable than the binding of GTP to RdRp, it is most likely
that RTP may inhibit the replication of the Zika viral genome efficiently.

CONCLUSION::
However, experimental studies are required to measure the potency of
RTP and other drugs before their clinical use.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluations of Granulatamide B and its
Structural Analogues
Authors: Matulja Dario , Grbčić Petra , Matijević Gabrijela , Babić Sanja , Bojanić Krunoslav , Laclef Sylvain , Vrček Valerije , Čož-Rakovac Rozelindra , Pavelić Sandra Kraljević , Marković Dean 
Published: February 2024

Background:
While granulatamides A and B have been previously isolated,
their biological activities have been only partially examined. The aim of this study was
to synthesize granulatamide B (4b), a tryptamine-derivative naturally occurring in Eunicella
coral species, using the well-known procedure of Sun and Fürstner and its 12 structural
analogues by modifying the side chain, which differs in length, degree of saturation
as well as number and conjugation of double bonds.

Method:
The prepared library of compounds underwent comprehensive assessment for
their biological activities, encompassing antioxidative, antiproliferative, and antibacterial
properties, in addition to in vivo toxicity evaluation using a Zebrafish model. Compound
4i, which consists of a retinoic acid moiety, exhibited the strongest scavenging activity
against ABTS radicals (IC50 = 36 ± 2 μM). In addition, 4b and some of the analogues
(4a, 4c and 4i), mostly containing an unsaturated chain and conjugated double
bonds, showed moderate but non-selective activity with certain IC50 values in the range
of 20-40 μM.

Result:
In contrast, the analogue 4l, a derivative of alpha-linolenic acid, was the least
toxic towards normal cell lines. Moreover, 4b was also highly active against Gram-positive
Bacillus subtilis with an MIC of 125 μM. Nevertheless, both 4b and 4i, known for
the best-observed effects, caused remarkable developmental abnormalities in the zebrafish
model Danio rerio.

Conclusion:
Since modification of the side chain did not significantly alter the change
in biological activities compared to the parent compound, granulatamide B (4b), the substitution
of the indole ring needs to be considered. Our group is currently carrying out
new syntheses focusing on the functionalization of the indole core.
RNA-based Therapeutics: Past, Present and Future Prospects, Challenges in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Goel Anjana , Rastogi Amisha , Jain Mansi , Niveriya Kinjal 
Published: February 2024

:
It is becoming more and harder in today's climate to disregard the impact of cancer on
social health. Even though a significant amount of money is spent annually on cancer research, it
still ranks as the second leading cause of death worldwide. Additionally, only about half of the
patients suffering from complex forms of cancer survive a year after receiving traditional cancer
therapies. A method for silencing genes is called RNA interference (RNAi). Such a method is
very effective in focusing on genes linked to cancer. Most gene products implicated in cancer
have recently been used as RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic targets. According to the findings
from this research, RNAi application is necessary for today's cancer treatment to target
functioning carcinogenic molecules and tumor resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. Proapoptotic
and antiproliferative activity has been reported from previous research studies on cell
culture systems, animal models, and clinical trials through the knockdown of gene products from
RNAi technology. Numerous novel RNAi-based medications are now in the clinical trial stages
thanks to the discovery of the RNAi mechanism and advancements in the area. In the future,
genomic-based personalized medicines can be developed through this RNAi therapy. Hopefully,
cancer sufferers will find this sort of therapy to be one of the most effective ones. Various kinds
of RNA-based treatments, such as aptamers, small interfering RNAs, microRNAs, antisense
oligonucleotides, and messenger RNA, are covered in broad terms in this study. We also present
an overview of the RNA-based therapies that have received regulatory approval in the past or are
now undergoing clinical studies.
H3K27ac-activated LncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 Facilitated the Progression of Colorectal Cancer Cells via MicroRNA-126-5p/FAM3C Axis
Authors: Lin Haiguan , Hu Shidong , Li Yuxuan , Li Songyan , Teng Da , Yang Yan , Liu Boyan , Du Xiaohui 
Published: February 2024

Objective:
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are of great importance in the process of
colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis and progression. However, the functions and underlying
molecular mechanisms of the majority of lncRNAs in CRC still lack clarity.

Methods:
A Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to detect
lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 expression in CRC cell lines. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay and flow
cytometry were used to examine the biological functions of lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 in the proliferation
and apoptosis of CRC cells. RT-qPCR and western blot were implemented for the detection
of cell proliferation-, apoptosis-related proteins, and FAM3C. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-
luciferase reporter assays were utilized to identify the mutual regulatory mechanism of ceRNAs.

Results:
lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 notably elevated in CRC cell lines and the silencing of NUTM2A-
AS1 declined proliferation and facilitated apoptosis. Mechanistically, NUTM2A-AS1 was
transcriptionally activated by histone H3 on lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) enriched at its promoter
region, and NUTM2A-AS1 acted as a sponge for miR-126-5p, leading to the upregulation
of FAM3C expression in CRC cell lines.

Conclusion:
Our research proposed NUTM2A-AS1 as an oncogenic lncRNA that facilitates
CRC malignancy by upregulating FAM3C expression, which might provide new insight and a
promising therapeutic target for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
Pharmacochemical Study of Multitarget Amino Acids’ Hybrids: Design,
Synthesis, In vitro, and In silico Studies
Authors: Fotopoulos Ioannis , Pontiki Eleni , Hadjipavlou-Litina Dimitra 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Neuro-inflammation is a complex phenomenon resulting in several disorders.
ALOX-5, COX-2, pro-inflammatory enzymes, and amino acid neurotransmitters are tightly
correlated to neuro-inflammatory pathologies. Developing drugs that interfere with these targets
will offer treatment for various diseases.

Objective:
Herein, we extend our previous research by synthesizing a series of multitarget hybrids
of cinnamic acids with amino acids recognized as neurotransmitters.

Methods::
The synthesis was based on an in silico study of a library of cinnamic amide hybrids with
glycine, γ- aminobutyric, and L - glutamic acids. Drug-likeness and ADMET properties were subjected
to in silico analysis. Cinnamic acids were derived from the corresponding aldehydes by
Knoevenagel condensation. The synthesis of the amides followed a two-step reaction with 1-
hydroxybenzotriazole monohydrate and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride
in dry dichloromethane and the corresponding amino acid ester hydrochloride salt in the
presence of N,N,-diisopropyl-Nethylamine.

Results:
The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed spectrophotometrically. The
new compounds, such as lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-2, lipid peroxidation inhibitors, and antiinflammatories,
were tested in vitro. The compounds exhibited LOX inhibition with IC50 values in
the low μM region).

Conclusion:
Compounds 18a, 23b, and 11c are strong lipid peroxidation inhibitors (99%, 78%, and
92%). Compound 28c inhibits SLOX-1 with IC50 =8.5 μM whereas 11a and 22a highly inhibit
COX-2 (IC50 6 and 5 μM Hybrids 14c and 17c inhibit both enzymes. Compound 29c showed the
highest anti-inflammatory activity (75%). The in silico ADMET properties of 14c and 11a support
their drug-likeness.
Evaluation of Appropriate Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Non-critically Ill Patients in Tertiary Medical Center: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Althagafi Abdulhamid , Magbool Nesereen , Altayib Hatoon , Bukhari Tala , Melibari Nawal , Bahamdain Foud , Eljaaly Khalid 
Published: February 2024

Background:
There are concerns about indiscriminate prescriptions and the inappropriate
use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) without any clear indications, especially among noncritically
hospitalized patients.

Objective:
This study aimed to characterize PPI prescriptions among non-critically hospitalized
patients in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the King Abdulaziz University
Hospital between June and August 2021. The data of adult patients who received PPIs on hospital
admission in the medical and surgical wards were collected and analyzed for appropriateness
based on the current international guidelines and recommendations.

Results:
A total of 174 patient records were included in this study. The proportion of patients
with appropriate and inappropriate PPI prescriptions was 67.24% (n=117) and 32.76% (n=57),
respectively. Female patients (risk=50.00%, 95% CI: 36.89–63.11, p<0.001) were more likely to
receive an inappropriate PPI prescription than their male counterparts (risk=33.33%, 95% CI:
24.56–43.43, p<0.001). Intravenous omeprazole 40 mg once daily was the most frequently prescribed
PPI (n=62). The hospital length of stay differed significantly between the groups of patients
who received appropriate and inappropriate PPIs (24.56 ± 47.14 vs. 13.50 ± 13.84; t=2.34,
95% CI: 1.72–20.4; p=0.02). However, there was no significant difference in the total therapy
duration in both the groups (3.76 ± 2.50 vs. 4.75 ± 3.32, t=-1.62, 95%CI: -1.79–0.17; p=0.11).

Conclusion:
The findings show a high trend of inappropriate PPI prescriptions. Hence, educational
programs are recommended to encourage healthcare professionals to stick to the approved
guidelines when prescribing PPIs.
A Review on Psychotria calceata E.M.A. Petit and its Botanical Characteristics and Traditional Uses
Authors: Ngolsou Francis , Nounaferi Awa Silué Gnieneferetien , Ouoba Kampadilemba , Diboue Patrick Hervé Betote , Nga Nnanga , Semde Rasmané 
Published: February 2024

Abstract:
The genus Psychotria, comprising approximately 1,834 species globally, represents
the largest genus within the Rubiaceae family. A substantial number of these species are indigenous
to West and Central Africa, notably Cameroon, where comprehensive scientific investigations
are, however, notably lacking. Yet, the therapeutic and dietary applications of these species
are likely to find a potential justification of their pharmacological attributes, as attested by some
studies. It goes without saying that a comprehensive review on the utilization of Psychotria calceata
E.M.A. Petit in traditional medicine vis-à-vis its pharmacological properties remains an
unexplored territory, and is needed to be investigated. The primary objective of this investigation
was to compile data pertaining to the botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, toxicity
and traditional uses of Psychotria calceata. This endeavor aimed to establish a rigorous
scientific database and identify areas warranting further research. Relevant information on Psychotria
calceata, spanning from 1964 to August 2022, was systematically collected from various
scientific databases, encompassing Scopus, Research Gate, SCIENCEDOMAIN, Google Scholar,
PubMed, Research4Life (Hinari), Web of Science, Science Direct, Current Content Connect,
Springer Link, Global Plants, Cochrane Library, and Scirus. Validation of scientific nomenclature
was conducted using The World Flora Online. Eight families of secondary metabolites were
identified in the aqueous extract of Psychotria calceata leaves. These families included alkaloids,
phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, coumarins, anthocyanins, and saponins.
In addition, in vivo toxicological studies of these same extracts indicated a lethal dose 50
(LD50) of over 5.000 mg/kg body weight, allowing the classification of Psychotria calceata as
non-toxic. Histological examination of sections of the main purifying organs, the kidneys, liver,
and spleen, corroborated this result, revealing the absence of structural abnormalities within these
organs. Psychotria calceata has emerged as a repository of diverse chemical compounds endowed
with a range of pharmacological activities. It also holds a prominent position in traditional
medicine and dietary practices. However, the nexus between these chemical constituents and the
pharmacodynamics of Psychotria calceata remains unestablished due to the paucity of experimental
investigations. Consequently, further studies on Psychotria calceata are imperative, with the
aspiration of unlocking scientific discoveries and advancing our understanding in this domain