bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic self-medication in Afghanistan: first report
Authors: Roien Rohullah , Mousavi Sayed Hamid , Athaie Mohammad Arif , Mohaqiq Mahdi , Delshad Mohammad Hossein , pourhaji fatemeh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to find, the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics, and antibiotics used for self-treated disease.Methods: this cross-sectional study was carried out among 385 participants in 12 community pharmacies located in 4 different regions of Kabul from May to November 2017. Standard questionnaire based on similar studies was designed and distributed among participants. Data was collected and analyzed in SPSS 16.0.Results: out of 385 participants (61.29% male and 38.70% female) 282 persons (73.25%) had practiced antibiotic self-medication during last year. The common reasons for antibiotic self-medication was economic problems (26.95%), lack of time (22.69%), comfortability (21.63%), lack of confidence on health care system (17.37%), and poor access to health care facilities (11.34%). Conditions like cough (28.01%), common cold (14.89%), respiratory infections (13.47%), sore throat (12.41%) and diarrhea (7.44%) were commonly self-medicated with antibiotics. penicillins (25.17%), metronidazole (15.60%), ceftriaxone (14.18%), tetracycline (10.28%), Azithromycin (9.21%), cefixime (7.09%), ciprofloxacin (6.73%) were mostly used for self-medication. 93 (32.97%) respondents had experienced side effects during antibiotic self-medication. Conclusions: The prevalence of antibiotic self-medication is very high (75.53%) in Kabul and this widespread antibiotic use has increased the risk of antibiotic resistance. Awareness and Strict rules for selling antibiotics without prescription should be developed and implemented to improve the rational use of antibiotics. Only pharmacists or professional peoples should be permitted to work in pharmacies. The quality, accessibility and cost of health care services should be enhanced in order to improve patient’ satisfaction in health care system.
Recurrent recurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a COVID-19 patient
Authors: Cao Shugang , Wu Aimei , Li Jiaxia , Li Yuancheng , Xia Mingwu , Wu Juncang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease. A small proportion of discharged patients may become positive again for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA, even if they meet the discharge criteria. Herein, we report a rare COVID-19 patient with recurrent recurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA.Case presentation: A 68-year-old man was admitted due to fever, muscle pain, and fatigue. He was initially diagnosed with COVID-19 according to two consecutive positive results for SARS-CoV-2 RNA plus clinical symptoms and chest CT findings, and was discharged from hospital when meeting the discharge criteria, including two consecutive negative results. He was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA twice during the quarantine and was hospitalized again. He was asymptomatic then, but IgG and IgM were both positive. He was discharged in the context of four consecutive negative test results for SARS-CoV-2 RNA after antiviral treatment. However, he was tested positive once again on the 3rd and 4th day after the second discharge, although still asymptomatic. IgG and IgM were still positive. After antiviral treatment, the results of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were negative in three consecutive retests, and he was finally discharged and quarantined for further surveillance. Conclusion: This case suggests that a small proportion of convalescent patients may become positive again for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and be a virus carrier.
Effects of antecedent soil water content on infiltration and erosion processes on loessial slopes under simulated rainfall
Authors: Ma Lan , Li Junyou , Liu Jingjing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Soil texture and antecedent soil water content (ASWC) are primary factors governing hillslope hydrological and erosion processes. We used simulated rainfall to investigate the runoff and erosion processes on sloped plots with three loessial soils and analyzed the effects of soil texture and ASWC on the hydrological processes. The results demonstrated that the average infiltration rate decreased with increasing clay content (i.e., Ansai (AS) loamy sand &gt; Fuxian (FX) clay loam &gt; Yangling (YL) clay). ASWC had little effect on infiltration processes for the YL clay but exerted a significant influence on infiltration for the FX and AS soils; this implies that infiltration models for loamy soils must consider the effects of ASWC. The Horton model was found to describe infiltration processes in these loessial soils better than the Kostiakov or Philip models. The YL clay yielded much less sediment than the FX and AS soils, and its sediment yield rate gradually decreased with the rainfall duration. There was a negative relationship between clay content and sediment yield under high ASWC, but no clear relation under low ASWC. These erosion differences derived from the splash erosion for the YL clay, and the depressions or rills occurred on the loamy soil plots.
A new backwash strategy for reducing the cost of an immersed ultrafiltration system by restricting cake layer breakage
Authors: Qu Fangshu , Li Xiaolian , He Junguo , Pan Zhihui , Zhao Yan , Rong Hongwei , Li Guibai , Yu Huarong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Ultrafiltration (UF) is increasingly used for potable water treatment, but membrane fouling necessitates the application of periodical backwash, which increases running cost. A new backwash strategy, in which air scouring was only applied with sludge water discharging, was proposed to improve backwash performance in a water plant using UF. Four gravity-driven UF systems were simultaneously run at increasing air scouring intervals (3–24hours) and sludge water discharging intervals (12–24hours). The membrane fluxes were monitored to assess membrane fouling and the mix solution turbidity was also monitored to investigate deposition of particles. The results indicated that membrane fouling was not aggravated by the extension of air scouring and sludge water discharging intervals. Water backwash on its own induced a shift of particle deposition from the membrane surface to the bottom of the membrane tank due to limited cake layer breakage, enabling the extension of sludge water discharging intervals. For the gravity-driven system investigated, the running cost, including energy, water and chemical demand, was reduced by 16.67% as the air scouring and sludge water discharging intervals increased from 3hours to 24hours and from 12hours to 24hours, respectively.
Towards a better understanding of microalgae natural flocculation mechanisms to enhance flotation harvesting efficiency
Authors: Demir Irem , Besson Alexandre , Guiraud Pascal , Formosa-Dague Cécile 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In microalgae harvesting, flocculation is usually a compulsory preliminary step to further separation by sedimentation or flotation. For some microalgae species, and under certain growth conditions, flocculation can occur naturally. Natural flocculation presents many advantages as it does not require the addition of any flocculants to the culture medium and shows high efficiency rate. But because natural flocculation is so specific to the species and conditions, and thanks to the knowledge accumulated over the last years on flocculation mechanisms, researchers have developed strategies to induce this natural harvesting. In this review, we first decipher at the molecular scale the underlying mechanisms of natural flocculation and illustrate them by selected studies from the literature. Then we describe the developed strategies to induce natural flocculation that include the use of biopolymers, chemically modified or not, or involve mixed species cultures. But all these strategies need the addition of external compounds or microorganism which can present some issues. Thus alternative directions to completely eliminate the need for an external molecule, through genetic engineering of microalgae strains, are presented and discussed in the third part of this review.
Contexto de la política tarifaria residencial del sector eléctrico y estimación de la función consumo eléctrico residencial: El caso de Mexicali, Baja California (1990-1992)
Authors: Sández Pérez Agustín 
Published: April 2020

En este artículo se plantean diversos aspectos de la problemática del consumo eléctrico en el noroeste del país, y particulannente en Mexicali, Baja California. Se resalta la especificidad de la demanda en la regi6n; donde se requiere de un replanteamiento de su estilo de desarrollo orientado hacia un uso racional de la energía eléctrica. Asimismo, se subraya la necesidad de revisar mecanismos que pennitan financiar el crecimiento del sector eléctrico. Basado en diversas fuentes y en los resultados de la Encuesta sobre el grado de adecuaci6n ambiental de la vivienda y consumo eléctrico en Mexicali, se estudian las características del consumo eléctrico residencial y su relación con el nivel socioeconómico de los usuarios. Se expone también el contexto de las políticas en dicho sector y la problemática en la detenninación de tarifas eléctricas. Finalmente, se analiza el modelo de la funci6n consumo eléctrico residencial, que para el caso de estudio, presenta un importante contenido estacional.
Effects of coronary computer tomography angiography screening on smoking habits in asymptomatic individuals with family history of premature coronary heart disease
Authors: Shah Nadim , Almteiri Mohamed Abdulla Alraqabani , Noaman Samer , Cox Nicholas , Wong Chiew , Kelly Anne-Maree , Soon Kean 
Published: April 2020

Background:
The Screening for Asymptomatic Coronary Heart disease in the Siblings of young
Myocardial Infarction patients study (SACHSMI) investigated the association
between index myocardial infarction patient sibling(s) and obstructive coronary heart
disease as detected by coronary computer tomography angiography (CCTA). The
results of SACHSMI described a statistically significant association between smoking
and prevalence of stenosis detected by CCTA. Data is lacking, however, regarding
CCTA screening effects on smoking habits of young individuals.

Methods:
Fifty asymptomatic siblings of prospectively identified index myocardial infarction
patients, aged 55 years or younger, were screened. These 50 sibling participants
were shown and explained their CCTA results. The participants were followed using
telephone call at 1 and 12 months after screening to assess any change in their
smoking habits. The primary outcome of interest was to identify any change in
smoking habit among the participants of the SACHSMI study undergoing CCTA 1
and 12 months post scanning.

Results:
Of the 50 participants, 20 (40%) had a history of smoking. One month post CCTA, 12
(60%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 36% to 81%) participants either stopped
smoking (7/20 (35%; 95% CI: 15% to 59%)) or reduced (5/20 (25%; 95% CI: 9% to
49%)) the number of cigarettes smoked daily. At 12 months post CCTA, 11 (55%;
95% CI: 32% to 77%) participants either stopped smoking (6/20 (30%; 95% CI: 12%

to 54%)) or reduced (5/20 (25%; 95% CI: 9% to 49%)) the number of cigarettes
smoked daily.

Conclusions:
Screening individuals with family history of premature CHD via CCTA may have the
additional benefit of reducing smoking in the short term.
A Role for the Adenosine ADORA2B Receptor in Midazolam Induced Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Gile Jennifer , Oyama Yoshimasa , Shuff Sydney , Eckle Tobias 
Published: April 2020

Background:
We recently reported a role for the circadian rhythm protein Period 2 (PER2) in midazolam
induced cognitive dysfunction. Based on previous studies showing a critical role for the adenosine A2B receptor
(ADORA2B) in PER2 regulation, we hypothesized that hippocampal ADORA2B is crucial for cognitive
function.

Methods:
Midazolam treated C57BL/6J mice were analyzed for Adora2b hippocampal mRNA expression levels,
and spontaneous T-maze alternation was determined in Adora2b-/- mice. Using the specific ADORA2B agonist
BAY-60-6583 in midazolam treated C57BL/6J mice, we analyzed hippocampal Per2 mRNA expression levels
and spontaneous T-maze alternation. Finally, Adora2b-/- mice were assessed for mRNA expression of markers for
inflammation or cognitive function in the hippocampus.

Results:
Midazolam treatment significantly downregulated Adora2b or Per2 mRNA in the hippocampus of
C57BL/6J mice, and hippocampal PER2 protein expression or T-maze alternation was significantly reduced in
Adora2b-/- mice. ADORA2B agonist BAY-60-6583 restored midazolam mediated reduction in spontaneous alternation
in C57BL/6J mice. Analysis of hippocampal Tnf-α or Il-6 mRNA levels in Adora2b-/- mice did not reveal
an inflammatory phenotype. However, C-fos, a critical component of hippocampus-dependent learning and memory,
was significantly downregulated in the hippocampus of Adora2b-/- mice.

Conclusion:
These results suggest a role of ADORA2B in midazolam induced cognitive dysfunction. Further, our
data demonstrate that BAY-60-6583 treatment restores midazolam induced cognitive dysfunction, possibly via
increases of Per2. Additional mechanistic studies hint towards C-FOS as another potential underlying mechanism
of memory impairment in Adora2b-/- mice. These findings suggest the ADORA2B agonist as a potential therapy
in patients with midazolam induced cognitive dysfunction.
Therapeutic Effects of Micronutrient Supplements on Sperm Parameters: Fact or Fiction?
Authors: Dimitriadis Fotios , Tsounapi Panagiota , Zachariou Athanasios , Kaltsas Aris , Sokolakis Ioannis , Hatzichristodoulou Georgios , Symeonidis Evangelos N. , Kotsiris Dimitrios , Gabales Melinda R. , Vlachopoulou Evlalia , Takenaka Atsushi , Sofikitis Nikolaos 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Despite the limited evidence about the effect of micronutrient supplementation on the
semen quality, many micronutrient supplements have been used to improve male fertility. Approximately, 40%-
50% of male infertility cases in general and up to 80% in men with idiopathic infertility cases are caused by oxidative
stress and decreased level of seminal total antioxidant capacity.

Objective:
To investigate the beneficial effects of micronutrient supplementation on sperm concentration, motility
and morphology.

Methods:
A Pub Med, Google Scholar, Embase data, web of Science and Cochrane Library
database extensive research of the randomized controlled studies utilizing micronutrient vitamins
and supplements was performed.

Results:
The existent international literature is rather heterogeneous and a definitive is difficult to be drawn.
Several micronutrients have beneficial effects on sperm parameters. Rational use of micronutrients might be
helpful for infertile patients.

Conclusion:
Further randomized, controlled clinical trials are required to elucidate the efficacy and safety of
micronutrients and propose proper protocols for their use. A well-rounded, balanced diet is more preferable than
the widespread use of micronutrient supplements beyond the recommended doses. Future studies should concern
the pregnancy rate as a primary outcome in their designs. Further research should be done to determine the appropriate
antioxidant compounds, the duration of the treatment, as well as a certain dose of antioxidants in clinical
practices. The pre-treatment evaluation of the seminal oxidative status is also an important parameter to proceed
with micronutrient supplementation without the risk of reductive stress. Under these conditions, supplements
could support the quality of sperm and help to alleviate male infertility.
Multilevel Characterization of Antibody-Ligand Conjugates by CESI-MS
Authors: Fonslow Bryan , Jarvas Gabor , Szigeti Marton , Guttman Andras 
Published: April 2020

Aims:
To demonstrate the capabilities of our new capillary electrophoresis –
mass spectrometry method, which facilitates highly accurate relative quantitation of
modification site occupancy of antibody-ligand (e.g., antibody-drug) conjugates.

Background:
Antibody-drug conjugates play important roles in medical discovery for
imaging and therapeutic intervention. The localization and stoichiometry of the
conjugation can affect the orientation, selectivity, specificity, and strength of molecular
interactions, influencing biochemical function.

Objective:
To demonstrate the option to analyze the localization and stoichiometry of
antibody-ligand conjugates by using essentially the same method at all levels including
ligand infusion, peptide mapping, as well as reduced and intact protein analysis.

Materials and Methods:
Capillary electrophoresis coupled with electrospray ionization
mass spectrometry was used to analyze the antibody-ligand conjugates.

Results:
We identified three prevalent ligand conjugation sites with estimated
stoichiometries of 73, 14, and 6% and an average ligand-antibody ratio of 1.37,
illustrating the capabilities of CE-ESI-MS for rapid and efficient characterization of
antibody-drug conjugates.

Conclusion:
The developed multilevel analytical method offers a comprehensive way to
determine the localization and stoichiometry of antibody-drug conjugates for molecular
medicinal applications. In addition, a significant advantage of the reported approach is
the small, hydrophilic, unmodified peptides well separated from the neutrals, which is not
common with other liquid phase separation methods such as LC.
Pathogenic Mechanisms of a Stroke-like attack Elicited by Epidural Steroid Injection Therapy
Authors: He Zhen 
Published: April 2020

Background:The pathogenic mechanisms involved in a disastrous scenario, following epidural steroid injections (ESI), remain unclarified. Intra-arterial injection of steroids with needlepenetrating vascular injury would be the culprit, as particulate medicine elicits a brain or spinal cord stroke-like attack.Methods:On the other hand, the limited experimental approaches simulating an accidental steroid intra-arterial injection for ESI conflicted in their results: hemorrhage vs. ischemia.Results:This article dissects the potential pathogenic mechanisms at a neurovascular unit. Noticeably, a schematic representation provides an explanation of how emboli formed by particulate steroids elicit either hemorrhagic, or ischemic lesion.Conclusion:In addition, the development of a rat model with intravertebral artery steroid injection is a proposal to address the unmet need in evaluating steroids and vascular injury in ESI.
Synthesis of some 1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Series Containing Chromene Ring from α,β-Unsaturated Ketones of 6-Acetyl-5-Hydroxy-4-Methylcoumarin
Authors: Toan Duong Ngoc , Thanh Nguyen Dinh , Truong Mai Xuan , Thao Nguyen Minh 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Reaction of α,β-unsaturated ketones with o-phenylenediamine afforded corresponding
2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepines.

Objective:
α,β-Unsaturated ketones of 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin are precursors for synthesis of
2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepines by a reaction with o-phenylenediamine.

Methods:
Enones of 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin were prepared from this ketone and (un)substituted
benzaldehydes in the presence of piperidine, triethylamine, or pyridine as a catalyst in absolute ethanol with
1:1 molar ratios, respectively. 2',3'-Dihydro-1H-1',5'-benzodiazepines were synthesized by using the reaction
of these enones with o-phenylenediamine in absolute ethanol in the presence of glacial acetic acid as a catalyst.
Their biological activities were evaluated using the disk diffusion method.

Results:
Seven new 2',3'-dihydro-1H-1',5'-benzodiazepines were obtained and their structures were confirmed
by thin-layer chromatography, IR, NMR and MS spectra. Some synthesized benzodiazepines showed antibacterial
and antifungal activities against Escherichia coli (Gram-(−) bacterium), Staphylococus epidermidis
(Gram-(+) bacterium). Candida albicans (fungus).

Conclusion:
The formation of enones from 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin and (un)substituted benzaldehydes
could be catalyzed by piperidine, triethylamine, pyridine to afford similar yields. 2',3'-dihydro-1H-
1',5'-benzodiazepines have been synthesized from the aforementioned enones and o-phenylenediamine.
Kinetics and Computational Evaluation of Eugenol and Vanillic Acid on Inhibition of a Potential Enzyme of a Nosocomial Pathogen that Promotes Struvite Formation
Authors: Jagannathan Venkataseshan , Venkatesan Arthi , Viswanathan Pragasam 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Struvite/infection stone is one of the major clinical burdens in urinary tract
infections that is caused by the ureolytic behavior of pathogenic bacteria.

Objective:
The current strategy for treating infective stones is mostly antibiotic therapy, which ends
in promoting resistance to the organisms. Hence in the present study, we investigated two phytocompounds,
eugenol (an allyl-substituted guaiacol) and vanillic acid (a phenolic acid) that are found to be
effective in inhibiting the urease enzyme of a nosocomial pathogen Proteus mirabilis.

Methods:
The enzyme was purified to apparent homogeneity and the kinetic parameters were studied
in the presence and in the absence of eugenol and vanillic acid. Molecular docking and simulation
were done to understand the level of protein-ligand interactions and the interacting residues.

Results:
Kinetic parameters obtained from the Michaelis-Menten plot show that both eugenol and
vanillic acid exhibit non-competitive inhibition of urease enzyme in a dose-dependent manner. In silico
studies showed that eugenol and vanillic acid have almost similar binding affinities to the regulatory
pocket of the modeled protein. Dynamics and simulation results indicate that the interaction of
ligands with the ARG373 residue of the protein provides a stable bound conformation.

Conclusion:
Overall, our results suggest that both the phytocompounds eugenol and vanillic acid
have a potential application as a new therapy for the inhibition of urease enzyme that could possibly
replace the complexions related to struvite stone formation.
Cucurbitacin IIb from Ibervillea sonorae Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest via STAT3 Inhibition
Authors: Torres-Moreno Heriberto , Marcotullio Maria C. , Velazquez Carlos , Arenas-Luna Víctor M. , Hernández-Gutiérrez Salomón , Robles-Zepeda Ramón E. 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Cucurbitacin IIb (CIIb) from Ibervillea sonorae has a high capacity to suppress cancer
cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms related to the antiproliferative
and apoptosis induction capacity of CIIb in HeLa cells.

Materials and Methods:
The cell viability and anti-proliferative effect of CIIb were evaluated by using the
trypan blue exclusion assay. The effect of CIIb on the mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by
flow cytometry using JC-1. The activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9 was evaluated by flow cytometry using
commercial kits. The effect of CIIb on the cell cycle was investigated using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting
(FACS) analysis. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate both the inhibitory effect of CIIb on the
STAT3 signaling pathway and cyclin –B1, and DNA damage by the comet assay.

Results:
CIIb triggers disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and consequently activated
the caspases -3 and -9, as a result of the activation of the intrinsic pathway of the apoptosis. Likewise, the CIIbinduced
cell cycle was arrested in S and G2/M after 24h of treatment. CIIb also reduced the expression of
STAT3 and cyclin –B1. Finally, CIIb produced an antiproliferative effect at 48 and 72 h, inducing DNA damage.

Conclusion:
These results demonstrate CIIb-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HeLa through the inhibition
of STAT3.