bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of acupuncture on insomnia in menopausal women: A Study protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Shanshan , Yin Ping , Yin Xuan , Bogachko Anna , Liang Tingting , Lao Lixing , Xu Shifen 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Background

China today has high occurrences of insomnia in women experiencing menopausal transition. Some studies have shown that acupuncture might be effective in treating primary insomnia and insomnia related to depression and stroke. Although there are some programs supporting insomnia during the menopausal transition, there are few randomized controlled trials to provide evidence regarding their effectiveness. We design a randomized controlled trial of suitable sample size to verify the effectiveness of acupuncture in patients with insomnia during the menopausal transition and to form an optimized acupuncture treatment protocol.

Method/Design

In this randomized, single-site, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 84 eligible patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the acupuncture group (n = 42) or the sham control group (n = 42) in 1:1 ratio. Participants will receive 18 sessions of treatment in total for eight consecutive weeks. Treatments will be given three times per week in the first four weeks and then twice a week for the next two weeks followed by once a week treatment for the final two weeks. Treatment will utilize eight main acupoints (GV20, GV24, GV29, RN6, RN4, SP6, HT7, EX-HN22), and extra two acupoints based on syndrome differentiation. The primary outcome will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The secondary outcomes will be measured by sleep parameters recorded in the Actigraphy (SE, TST, SA), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Menopause Quality of Life (Men-QOL). The primary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, four-week, eight-week, and first and the third month after the end of treatment.

Discussion

If the results confirm that acupuncture is effective and safe for the treatment on insomnia in menopausal women, they could provide evidence for clinical application.
Multiple asystoles in a patient undergoing total knee arthroplasty - a case report
Authors: Burgdorff Anna-Maria , Flöther Lilit , Wohlrab David 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Background

Unexpected cardiac arrest in patients during surgery is associated with high mortality. Reasons are often multifactorial and not exactly clear.

Case presentation

Therefore, this case report describes a patient, who developed reversible asystoles during knee surgery under general anesthesia. All diagnostic cardiac examinations were unremarkable. After surgery the patient showed no further symptoms.

Conclusion

To prevent cardiac arrest due to non-cardiac reasons, patients with high risk for asystole caused by vasovagal reflex or pain need to be identified. Preoperative conditions like hypovolemia need to be improved and additional monitoring should be used. Further investigations to find the influence of non-cardiac disease and long-term medication are necessary.
Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Viral Anterior Uveitis in Southern Taiwan—Diagnosis with Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Ting , Kuo Ming-Tse , Chiang Wei-Yu , Chao Tsai-Ling , Kuo Hsi-Kung 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Background

To report the epidemiology and clinical features of viral anterior uveitis in patients in southern Taiwan.

Methods

A retrospective, case series study. HLA-B27 negative anterior uveitis patients with increased intraocular pressure or corneal edema seen at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 1, 2007 to January 31, 2018 had their aqueous sent for polymerase chain reaction analysis. Their records were reviewed for demographic data, ocular findings, and laboratory results.

Results

In the aqueous samples obtained from 102 eligible eyes, 42 eyes were herpesviridae-positive, which included 9 with herpes simplex virus (8.8%), 5 with varicella-zoster virus (4.9%), 27 with cytomegalovirus (26.5%), and 1 with Epstein-Barr virus (1%). Herpesviridae-positive patients were more likely to be male, and have glaucoma. Glaucoma and pseudophakic eyes were significantly associated with CMV-positive eyes.

Conclusion

PCR analysis of the anterior chamber fluid is important for the confirmation of the diagnosis of viral anterior uveitis. Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis is not uncommon in patients in southern Taiwan, and it may follow an uneventful cataract extraction in immunocompetent patients.
Macular Vessel Density, Perfusion Density, Foveal Avascular Zone in Emmetropia and Myopia: Quantitative Assessment Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Jiang XM , Zheng C , Tan Q , Du FF , Zhou M 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Background

To assess vessel density, perfusion density among emmetropic and myopic person, and to demonstrate detailed changes in superficial retinal microvascular network.

Methods

This was a single-centered, cross-sectional study of 120 participants. Emmetropic, low, moderate and high myopic group each account for 1/4. Enface 3mmx3mm optical coherence tomography angiography images were obtained using Cirrus™ HD-OCT 5000. Quantifiable measure of vessel density, perfusion density and foveal avascular zone were performed by AngioVue software.

Results

Gender, age, SBP, DBP, MOPP and IOP showed no differences among emmetropic and myopic groups. In inferior quadrant, vessel density and perfusion density of emmetropic and low myopia group showed statistical significance from moderate and high myopia group (all P<0.05). In temporal quadrant, vessel density and perfusion density of emmetropic, low and moderate myopia group showed statistical significance from high myopia group (all P<0.05).In emmetropic group, vessel density and perfusion density showed no difference among superior, inferior, temporal and nasal quadrants. In low myopic group, vessel density and perfusion density of temporal quadrant showed statistical significance from superior, inferior and nasal quadrants (all P<0.05). In moderate and high myopic group, vessel density and perfusion density of superior quadrant showed statistical significance from temporal quadrant (all P<0.05) and inferior quadrant(all P<0.05) . And vessel density of nasal quadrant showed statistical significance from inferior quadrant in moderate myopic group(P=0.039) .

Conclusion

Along with the increase of myopia degree, vessel density and perfusion density of inferior and temporal quadrants showed a statistically significant tendency of decrease. Vessel density and perfusion density of nasal quadrant showed a relatively decreasing tendency. Closer attention should be paid to moderate myopia.
Results and lessons learnt from a randomized controlled trial: Prophylactic treatment of vestibular migraine with metoprolol (PROVEMIG)
Authors: Bayer Otmar , Adrion Christine , Tawil Amani Al , Mansmann Ulrich , Strupp Michael 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND
Vestibular migraine (VM) is the most frequent cause of recurrent spontaneous attacks of vertigo causally related to migraine. The objective of the PROVEMIG trial was to demonstrate that metoprolol succinate is superior to placebo treatment in the prevention of episodic vertigo- and migraine-related symptoms in patients with VM.
METHODS
This phase 3, two-arm parallel-group, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial was designed to be conducted at tertiary referral centres at neurology and ENT departments of eight German university hospitals. The planned sample size was a total of 266 patients to be allocated. Adults aged 18 years or above diagnosed with probable or definitive VM according to the Neuhauser criteria 2001 were randomly assigned 1:1 to six months blinded metoprolol (maintenance dosage of 95 mg daily) versus placebo treatment policy. The primary efficacy outcome was the self-reported number of vertiginous attacks per 30 days documented by means of a paper-based daily symptom diary. The pre-specified time period of primary interest was defined within month 4 to 6. Secondary outcomes included the patient-reported number of migraine days and vertigo days, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and clinical assessments. Adverse events were reported throughout the whole 9-month study period.
RESULTS
At the time of trial termination, no evidence for a difference in the incidence of vertiginous attacks between both treatment groups was detected. For the full analysis set, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 0.983 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.902 to 1.071) for metoprolol vs. placebo. There was a significant decline in the overall monthly vertigo attacks by the factor 0.830 (95% CI, 0.776 to 0.887). Results were consistent for all subjective and objective key measures of efficacy. The treatment was well tolerated with no unexpected safety findings.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to poor participant accrual not related to the tolerability of the study medication or safety concerns PROVEMIG had to be discontinued after randomizing 130 patients. Additional preparatory work is much-needed in the development, psychometric evaluation and interpretation of clinically meaningful endpoints in trials on episodic syndromes like VM taking into consideration the two-dimensional aspect of this disease entity.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
EudraCT no 2009-013701-34, prospectively registered on 08 April 2011, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2009-013701-34/DE.
Environmental and economic performance evaluation of municipal wastewater treatment plants in India: a life cycle approach
Authors: Kamble Sheetal , Singh Anju , Kazmi Absar , Starkl Markus 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Moreover, an economic evaluation was also addressed using life cycle cost (LCC) approach. Emissions associated with electricity production for operating the WWTPs, emissions from the treated effluent and hazardous heavy metals emissions have been identified as the main contributors to the overall environmental impact. Among the WWTPs considered, soil biotechnology (SBT) obtained the lowest environmental impact in all the evaluated impact categories, except for eutrophication potential. While the aerated lagoons (AL) system presented the worst results due to the high electricity and chemicals consumption. Moreover, the results obtained from the evaluation of benefit from treated effluent reuse clearly indicate that there is a drop in the toxicity potential when the rate of effluent reuse is increased. On the other hand, the present worth of SBT was estimated to be Rs. 40 million/millions of litres per day (MLD) which is the highest as compared to other technologies. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) is the second highest (Rs. 24.7 million/MLD), which is mainly contributed by civil, electro-mechanical and membrane cost. The results of LCA and LCC provide specific insights about the factors which play a major role during the life cycle of wastewater treatment technology and its associated impacts.
In vivo Evaluation and Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment Outcome of siRNA Loaded Dual Targeting Drug Delivery System
Authors: Zhang Chi , Gu Zhichun , Shen Long , Liu Xianyan , Lin Houwen 
Published: March 2019

Background:
To deliver drugs to treat Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), nanoparticles should
firstly penetrate through blood brain barrier, and then target neurons.

Methods:
Recently, we developed an Apo A-I and NL4 dual modified nanoparticle (ANNP) to deliver
beta-amyloid converting enzyme 1 (BACE1) siRNA. Although promising in vitro results were obtained,
the in vivo performance was not clear. Therefore, in this study, we further evaluated the in vivo
neuroprotective effect and toxicity of the ANNP/siRNA. The ANNP/siRNA was 80.6 nm with good
stability when incubated with serum. In vivo, the treatment with ANNP/siRNA significantly improves
the spatial learning and memory of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, as determined by mean escape
latency, times of crossing the platform area during the 60 s swimming and the percentage of the distance
in the target quadrant.

Results and Conclusion:
After the treatment, BACE1 RNA level of ANNP/siRNA group was greatly
reduced, which contributed a good AD treatment outcome. Finally, after repeated administration, the
ANNP/siRNA did not lead to significant change as observed by HE staining of main organs, suggesting
the good biocompatibility of ANNP/siRNA. These results demonstrated that the ANNP was a good
candidate for AD targeting siRNA delivery.
Effect of Powdered Activated Carbon as Advanced Step in Wastewater Treatments on Antibiotic Resistant Microorganisms
Authors: Ravasi Damiana , König Roger , Principi Pamela , Perale Giuseppe , Demarta Antonella 
Published: March 2019

Background:
Conventional wastewater treatment plants discharge significant amounts of
antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes into natural water bodies contributing to the
spread of antibiotic resistance. Some advanced wastewater treatment technologies have been shown to
effectively decrease the number of bacteria. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of knowledge about the
effectiveness of these treatments on antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistant genes. To the
best of our knowledge, no specific studies have considered how powdered activated carbon (PAC)
treatments can act on antibiotic resistant bacteria, although it is essential to assess the impact of this
wastewater treatment on the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
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Methods: To address this gap, we evaluated the fate and the distribution of fluorescent-tagged antibiotic/
antimycotic resistant microorganisms in a laboratory-scale model simulating a process configuration
involving powdered activated carbon as advanced wastewater treatment. Furthermore, we studied
the possible increase of naturally existing antibiotic resistant bacteria during the treatment implementing
PAC recycling.

Results:
The analysis of fluorescent-tagged microorganisms demonstrated the efficacy of the PAC adsorption
treatment in reducing the load of both susceptible and resistant fluorescent microorganisms in
the treated water, reaching a removal efficiency of 99.70%. Moreover, PAC recycling did not increase
the resistance characteristics of cultivable bacteria neither in the sludge nor in the treated effluent.

Conclusion:
Results suggest that wastewater PAC treatment is a promising technology not only for the
removal of micropollutants but also for its effect in decreasing antibiotic resistant bacteria release.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Some Pyrazole Derivatives, Containing (Thio) Semicarbazide, as Dual Anti-Inflammatory Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Liang Zhaochang , Huang Yuping , Wang Shiben , Deng Xianqing 
Published: March 2019

Background:Several series of pyrazole derivatives containing (thio) semicarbazide (4a-4h, 5a-5l, 6a-6f, 7a-7c) were designed and synthesized to screen dual inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.Methods:The products were characterized by1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. In vitro LPS-induced TNF-α model and in vivo xylene-induced ear-edema model were used to evaluate their antiinflammatory activity. Their in vitro antimicrobial activities were evaluated using a serial dilution method against several gram-positive strains, gram-negative strains and a fungi strain.Results:Bioassays indicated that most of the compounds markedly inhibited the expression of TNF- α at the concentration of 20 µg/mL Compounds 5i, 6b, and 7b had comparable in vivo antiinflammatory activity to the reference drug dexamethasone at the dose of 50 mg/kg. In addition, several compounds showed antimicrobial activity against different strains, and compounds 5g and 5h exhibited potent inhibitory activities with the MIC value of 8 µg/mL against the Streptococcus pneumoniae CMCC 31968 and Staphylococcus aureus CMCC 25923, respectively. Compound 7b, which exhibited both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, should be studied as it is or after derivatization.Conclusion:It can be concluded that pyrazoles, with (thio)-semicarbazone moieties, have the potential to be developed into new anti-inflammatory agents.
A Series of Furan-based Hydrazones: Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity
Authors: Altintop Mehlika Dilek , Sever Belgin , Eklioğlu Özlem Atli , Baysal Merve , Demirel Rasime , Özdemir Ahmet 
Published: March 2019

Background:
Hydrazones, frequently occurring motifs in many bioactive molecules, have
attracted a great deal of interest as potent antimicrobial agents.

Objective:
The aim of this work was to design and synthesize new hydrazone-based antimicrobial
agents.

Methods:
4-[2-((5-Arylfuran-2-yl)methylene)hydrazinyl]benzonitrile derivatives (1-10) were obtained
via the reaction of 4-cyanophenylhydrazine hydrochloride with 5-arylfurfurals. Compounds 1-10
were evaluated for their antimicrobial effects using a broth microdilution method. Their cytotoxic
effects on NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line were determined using XTT assay. The
most effective antimicrobial agents were investigated for their genotoxic effects using Ames MPF
assay. In silico docking and Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME) studies
were also performed using Schrödinger’s Maestro molecular modeling package.

Results:
The antifungal effects of the compounds were more significant than their antibacterial effects.
Compound 5 bearing 3-nitrophenyl moiety was the most potent antifungal agent against Candida
albicans, Trichoderma harzianum and Fusarium species, whereas compound 10 bearing 4-
chloro-2-nitrophenyl moiety was the most effective antifungal agent on Aspergillus ochraceus. According
to XTT and Ames MPF assays, these compounds were neither cytotoxic nor genotoxic at the
concentrations tested. Docking studies suggested that these compounds showed good affinity to the
active site of lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) (PDB code: 5V5Z) and interacted with the key
residues such as Hem601 and Cys470. Based on in silico ADME studies, the compounds are expected
to have high oral bioavailability.

Conclusion:
According to the in vitro and in silico studies, compounds 5 and 10 stand out as potential
orally bioavailable antifungal agents for further studies.
Novel Strobilurin Derivatives Containing Carboxylate Unit as Potential Antifungal Agents
Authors: Bao Longzhu , Wang Shuangshuang , Song Di , Wang Jingjing , Yue Xiali , Cao Xiufang 
Published: March 2019

Background:
Due to the extensive use of a single fungicide to control crop diseases, the
increase of resistant individuals leads to control failures. The search for molecules with fungicidal
activity is still ongoing. Strobilurin is one of the most popularly used fungicides in the agrochemical
field. A large number of strobilurin derivatives with both high activity and low toxicity have been
developed.

Methods:
In the present study, a series of novel ortho-substituted benzyl carboxylates were efficiently
synthesized by the reaction of (E)-methyl 2-(2-(bromom-ethyl)phenyl)-2-methox-yiminoaceta
with various carboxylic acids. Their structures were confirmed and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C
NMR, and ESI-MS analysis. Their fungicidal activities against common phytopathogenic fungi from
six major cash crops were screened based on the pesticides guidelines for the laboratory bioactivity
tests.

Results:
The primary fungicidal activity test results indicate that all compounds showed a certain
inhibitory effect on the growth of 13 plants pathogenic fungi at a concentration of 100 ppm, and
Compd. 3 has the most obvious inhibitory effect on all fungi. Further fungicidal activity studies
indicate that some of these novel strobilurin derivatives containing carboxylate unit exhibited
potential in vitro fungicidal activities at the dosage of 6.25 mg/L-1.

Conclusion:
A series of the ortho-substituted benzyl carboxylates derivatives containing β-
methoxyacrylate moiety were designed and synthesized by modifying the side chain of traditional
strobilurin fungicide. Compd. 3, Compd. 2 and Compd. 16 were identified as the most promising
candidates for further study.
Bioinspired Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles and its Efficacy on Seed Viability and Seedling Growth in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Jahagirdar Ajinkya S. , Shende Sudhir , Gade Aniket , Rai Mahendra 
Published: March 2019

Background:
Copper is an important micronutrient required for the growth of the plants.
It activates enzymes and helps in protein synthesis in plants. Nanoparticles in the size range from 1
to 100 nm possess unique properties, such as the high surface area to volume ratio, size-dependent
capabilities and unique optical properties, and hence, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were evaluated
for growth promotion of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.).

Objective:
The main aim of the study was to synthesize CuNPs using neem extracts, and evaluate
their activity on viability of seeds and growth of seedlings in V. radiata.

Methods:
Here, we synthesized CuNPs by the neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract, which was
treated with copper sulphate and ascorbic acid. The reduction of copper sulphate to CuNPs was confirmed
by the UV-Visible spectrophotometer and was further characterized by XRD, FTIR, NTA,
and Zeta potential measurement. The efficacy of biogenic CuNPs (size <50 nm) was evaluated on
germination and growth promotion of V. radiata seeds. The copper content was confirmed in CuNPs
treated plants after analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).

Results:
CuNPs were synthesized by the neem (A. indica) leaf extract as brown precipitation. Preliminary
detection was performed by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, which showed a peak at 619
nm. Further characterization by X-ray diffraction confirmed the Face Centered Cubic crystal structure.
Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of amino acids as
functional groups in the leaf extract. Nanoparticle tracking and analysis (NTA) demonstrated an
average size of 41±21 nm with the concentration of 3.3×109 particles/ml. Zeta potential value was
found to be -18.2 mV. The growth promotion effect showed the maximum germination recorded at
100 ppm of CuNPs; while copper ions showed an adverse effect on root growth. The AAS analysis
demonstrated the increased copper content in the CuNPs treated seedlings than that of the control.

Conclusion:
It is a first report to demonstrate the positive effect of biogenic CuNPs on growth, nutrition
and enhanced seed germination, and hence, CuNPs could be used as a nano-fertilizer after further
extensive nursery trials.
A tomada da decisão judicial criminal à luz da psicologia: heurísticas e vieses cognitivos
Authors: Andrade Flávio Da Silva 
Published: March 2019

A partir dos conhecimentos da psicologia, este ensaio procura primeiro demonstrar como o ser humano, valendo-se de heurísticas, pensa e age para resolver problemas e tomar decisões em seu dia a dia. Em seguida, o estudo busca revelar como as heurísticas são empregadas para a tomada da decisão judicial criminal, comentando-se sobre os vieses e sobre os poderes e perigos da intuição, ressaltando-se que o juiz jamais deve prescindir do pensamento racional e lógico, desenvolvido a partir do contraditório. Portanto, chama-se a atenção para a necessidade de o juiz conhecer as heurísticas e os vieses de julgamento, de modo que busque tomar decisões de maneira mais deliberativa e menos intuitiva, ainda que haja uma enorme cobrança por celeridade nos tempos atuais. Reforça-se, ao final, a necessidade de se propiciar e exigir uma formação multidisciplinar do magistrado.