bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sandwich Technique and Amniotic Membrane Transplantation as an Effective Method in Repairing Corneal Perforations
Authors: Ciftci Mukaddes Damla , Selver Ozlem Barut 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate effectiveness of human amniotic membrane (hAM) transplantation in patients with non-traumatic corneal perforation.
Methods
This retrospective chart review included the patients who were underwent hAM transplantation with sandwich technique between March 2020 to January 2023 at Ege University Hospital, Turkey. Medical records of the patients including demographic data, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) that was measured with Snellen chart, detailed ophthalmological examination and the need for additional surgical intervention after hAM transplantation were evaluated. Complications, anatomical and functional results were presented.
Results
A total 9 eyes of 9 patients with non-traumatic corneal perforations were evaluated between 2020 and 2023. Size of perforation was ≤ 3 mm in all the eyes. The mean age of the patients was 67.77 ± 15.52. Female to male ratio was 1/8. Sandwich technique was used in all patients for hAM transplantation. Five of cases (55.55%) had infectious etiology and 4 of them (44.44%) had inflammatory etiology. Of the infectious corneal perforations, 3 (33.33%) were herpes simplex virus-induced neurotrophic keratopathy and 2 (22.22%) were bacterial keratitis. The mean residence time of the amniotic membrane on the ocular surface was 21 ± 8.05 days. Tectonic keratoplasty was needed in 1 eye (11.11%). Corneal patch grafting was required in 1 of eyes (11.11%). Evisceration was performed in 1 eye (11.11%) of a patient with no light perception who had no visual prognosis. Amniotic membrane detachment was observed in one patient as a surgical-related complication associated with hAM transplantation.
Conclusions
hAM transplantation is one of the successful treatment methods in treatment of relatively small corneal perforation. Considering the difficulty of finding a donor cornea and the easier access to the amniotic membrane, it seems like a good alternative treatment to reduce or postpone the need for tectonic keratoplasty.
Enzybiotic-mediated antimicrobial functionalization of polyhydroxyalkanoate nanoparticles
Authors: Blanco Francisco G. , Vázquez Roberto , Hernández-Arriaga Ana M. , García Pedro , Prieto M. Auxiliadora 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackground: Increasing antibiotic resistance is depleting the available arsenal of these conventional antimicrobials, thus making the development of alternative antibacterial agents a priority for biomedical research. This is the case forStreptococcus penumoniae, a severe respiratory pathogen which, upon colonization of the lung alveoli below the lung surfactant layer (LS), causes community-acquired pneumonia. One of the alternative approaches is the use of enzybiotics, phage-encoded peptidoglycan hydrolases that degrade the bacterial cell wall, thus leading to their death by osmotic shock. To meet therapeutic parameters such as longerin vivohalf-life or targeted activity release, the design of enzybiotic formulations is required. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) nanoparticles (NPs), present some ideal properties as biomedical nanocarriers such as their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to be vehiculized through hydrophobic barriers, including the lung surfactant (LS). Here, we develop PHA NPs as a platform for the immobilization of enzybiotics againstS. pneumoniaevia a minimal PHA affinity tag. Results In this study, we tagged the Cpl-711 enzybiotic, which specifically targetsS. pneumoniae, with the minimal PHA affinity peptide MinP, resulting in the M711 protein. Then, a PHA nanoparticulate suspension with adequate physicochemical properties for pulmonary delivery was formulated, and M711 was immobilized on their surface. Finally, we assessed the antipneumococcal activity of the nanosystem against planktonic and sessile forms of the pathogen. The resulting pioneer nanosystem displayed sustained antimicrobial activity against free cells, and effectively disaggregatedS. pneumoniaebiofilms. Conclusions Our findings indicate tag-mediated immobilization of enzybiotics as an effective method for the antimicrobial functionalization of PHA NPs. This straightforward approach may be extrapolated to other enzybiotics (or cargo proteins) with other specificities, highlighting the versatility of the system
Trade-offs of biodiversity and ecosystem services in European forest edges vs interiors
Authors: Vanneste Thomas , Depauw Leen , De Lombaerde Emiel , Meeussen Camille , Govaert Sanne , De Pauw Karen , Sanczuk Pieter , Bollmann Kurt , Brunet Jörg , Calders Kim , Cousins Sara , Diekmann Martin , Gasperin Cristina , Graae Bente , Hedwall Per-Ola , Iacopetti Giovanni , Lenoir Jonathan , Lindmo Sigrid , Orczewska Anna , Ponette Quentin , Plue Jan , Selvi Federico , Spicher Fabien , Verbeeck Hans , Zellweger Florian , Verheyen Kris , Vangansbeke Pieter , De Frenne Pieter 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Forest biodiversity and ecosystem services have been predominantly quantified in forest interiors, well away from edge influences. However, edges represent a significant portion of the forest cover in many regions world-wide. We quantified a broad set of plant biodiversity and ecosystem service indicators in 225 plots along forest edge-to-interior transects across Europe. We found strong trade-offs: while phylogenetic diversity (evolutionary measure of biodiversity), the proportion of forest specialists, nutrient cycling and heatwave buffering increased towards the forest interior, species richness (taxonomic measure of biodiversity), nectar production potential, stemwood biomass and overall tree regeneration were promoted towards the forest edge. These trade-offs were mainly driven by forest structural complexity differences from edge to interior. As fragmentation continues, forest edges increasingly reshape biodiversity and ecosystem service provisioning, which is yet to be integrated in forest management and policy to ensure sustainability in ecosystem services delivery.
Evaluation of Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases for cellulose functionalization
Authors: Cabañas-Romero L. Verónica , Martínez Josefina , Valenzuela Susana V. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Eucalyptus and bacterial celluloses were functionalized by oxidation with a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase, SamLPMO10C, to increase their contents in carboxyl groups by 2.4 and 2.7-fold, respectively. The functionalized celluloses were used to generate paper supports containing silver nanoparticles. A solution of silver nitrate was added to oxidized celluloses as a source of Ag+ which allowed the interaction between silver cations and hydroxyl or carboxyl groups. Following, paper supports were produced, and the formation of silver nanoparticles was induced by heat reduction. The presence of silver nanoparticles was validated by scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry tests allowed to measure the silver content in the paper supports as well as the migration of silver in an aqueous media. The Ag-functionalized paper supports showed strong antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus.
A Comparative Performance Assessment for Prediction of Loan Approval in Financial Sector
Authors: HOTA LOPAMUDRA 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Loans are assets that generate income in terms of interest to banks.Lending a loan to a customer creates credit and liability for the bankas well as the customer. The profit and loss of a bank depend on thecustomer’s ability to pay back the loan or not, i.e., defaulter or not.Extensive research on models for loan prediction is crucial for bankingsectors. Ensemble learning has been incorporated into the implementa-tion of many banking applications as improved machine learning modelsare continually being developed, and numerous studies have addressedthe superiority of ensemble learning. The accuracy (ACC), Receiver Operating characteristic Curve (ROC) Area Under the Curve (AUC),Kolmogorov-Smirnov Statistic (KS), Cohen’s Kappa Score (CKS), BrierScore (BS), and of ensemble algorithms, comprising bagging, boostingand Stacking, are all evaluated in this paper in context with the pre-diction of loan. Additionally, the neural network (NN), decision tree(DT), logistic regression (LR), Nave Bayes (NB), and support vec-tor machine (SVM) are five well-known baseline classifiers that areregarded as benchmarks. The experimental results affirm that ensem-ble learning performs better than individual learning. LR outperforms the baseline classifiers. Whereas the RF performs the best among theensemble approaches, followed by XGB and LightGBM, respectively.
Synthesis and screening of Clerodane Diterpene analogues from 16 hydroxycleroda 3,13(14)-Zdien 15,16- olide for potential anti-mycobacterial activity
Authors: KURATI SONY P , Bothsa Sruthi S. , Kimariyo Patrick F. , Guruvelli Sangeetha , Perupogu Suvarna B. , Muthyala Murali Krishna K. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In recent years, Clerodane diterpenes, a class of bioactive compounds, have come into the spotlight due to their amazing bioactivities. The "Indian Mast Tree" is a common name for a tall evergreen tree scientifically known as Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula. Three novel clerodane diterpene analogues were obtained by synthesizing 16-hydroxycleroda-3,13(14)-Zdien-15,16-olide (Lactone) with primary amines. Anti-tubercular activity was determined using Microplate Alamar Blue Assay. Among all the synthesised compounds from methanolic extract of seeds, results clearly showed that compounds 3 and 5 have significant anti tb activity with an MIC of 1.56 µg/ml against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTB H37Rv bacilli strain than the gold standard drugs pyrazinamide (3.125 µg/ml), ciprofloxacin (3.125 µg/ml), streptomycin (6.25 µg/ml) and rifampicin (6.25 µg/ml). Antimicrobial activity was also carried out by agar well diffusion method and its minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined against Gram + ve (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram -ve (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Compound 5 exhibited significant antibacterial activity with Zone of inhibition of 10.8 mm with Gram + ve and 7.95 mm with Gram -ve bacteria at a conc of 50 µg/ml respectively. Furthermore, Compound 5 showed MIC at 5 µg/ml with both the bacterial strains. While tested for anti-fungal activity, Compound 5 showed Zone of inhibition of 10.8mm at conc. of 50 µg/ml. In the current investigation, three novel heterocycles (compounds 3–5) of the diterpenoid (compound 1) were prepared, in high yield, using one-pot, efficient approach. Further studies on in vivo, cytotoxic tests, mechanism of action and synthesis of a series of lactones will be used to determine the structural activity relationship of bioactive diterpenoid 1.
Nutrition intervention informed by indirect calorimetry compared to predictive equations to achieve weight goals in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients: The NEED study
Authors: Hettiarachchi Jeewanadee , Fetterplace Kate , Maier Andrea Britta , Reijnierse Esmee 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objectives: To assess if nutritional interventions informed by indirect calorimetry (IC), compared to predictive equations, show greater improvements in achieving weight goals, muscle mass, strength, physical and functional performance.
Design: Quasi-experimental study
Setting and participants: Geriatric rehabilitation inpatients referred to dietitian
Intervention and measurements: Patients were allocated based on admission ward to either the IC or equation (EQ) group. Measured resting metabolic rate (RMR) by IC was communicated to the treating dietitian for the IC group but concealed for the EQ group. Achieving weight goals was determined by comparing individualised weight goals with weight changes from inclusion to discharge (weight gain/loss: >2% change, maintenance: ≤2%). Muscle mass, strength, physical and functional performance were assessed at admission and discharge. Food intake was assessed twice over three-days at inclusion and before discharge using plate waste observation.
Results: Fifty-three patients were included (IC n=22; EQ n=31; age: 84.3±8.4 years). The measured RMR was lower than the estimated RMR within both groups [mean difference IC -282 (95%CI -490;-203), EQ -273 (-381;-42) kcal/day)] and comparable between-groups (median IC 1271 [interquartile range 1111;1446] versus EQ 1302 [1135;1397] kcal/day, p=0.800). Energy targets in the IC group were lower than the EQ group [mean difference -317 (95%CI -479;-155) kcal/day]. There were no between-group differences in energy intake, achieving weight goals, changes in muscle mass, strength, physical and functional performance.
Conclusions: In geriatric rehabilitation inpatients, nutritional interventions informed by IC compared to predictive equations showed no greater improvement in achieving weight goals, muscle mass, strength, physical and functional performance. IC facilitates more accurate determination of energy targets in this population. However, evidence for the potential benefits of its use in nutrition interventions was limited by a lack of agreement between patients’ energy intake and energy targets.
Intraoperative Aortic Dissection During Aortic Root Replacement in a Loeys–Dietz Syndrome Type III Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Kato Kenichi , Nakamura Ken , Kato Kaho , Arai Shusuke , Hirooka Shuto , Kim Cholsu , Uchino Hideaki , Shimanuki Takao 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Intraoperative aortic dissection during cardiac surgery is a rare but critical complication. At present, no strategies have been developed to prevent it. Here, we report a case of intraoperative aortic dissection during aortic root replacement in a patient with Loeys–Dietz syndrome type III.
Case presentation
A 60-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for Stanford type B acute aortic dissection and given conservative treatment. The patient was found to have aortic root dilatation and severe aortic regurgitation. Therefore, elective Bentall procedure was performed. Postoperative computed tomography revealed new Stanford type A aortic dissection that may have developed during surgery. The patient was given conservative treatment and was successfully discharged to home at postoperative day 34. A genetic test revealed an unreported SMAD3 frameshift mutation (c.742_749dup, p. Gln252ThrfsTer7), and the patient was diagnosed with Loeys–Dietz syndrome type III.
Conclusion
In patients with connective tissue disorder, aortic manipulations may become the cause of critical complications. Avoiding the use of invasive techniques, such as cannulation and cross-clamping, and implementing treatment strategies such as open distal anastomosis can prevent these complications and may be useful treatment modalities.
A Comparative Study of Inter-Regional Intra-Industry Disparity
Authors: Pal Samidh 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This paper investigates the inter-regional intra-industry disparity within selected Indian manufacturing industries and industrial states. The study uses three measures - the Output-Capital Ratio, the Capital-Labor Ratio, and the Output-Labor Ratio - to critically evaluate the level of disparity in average efficiency of labor and capital, as well as capital intensity. Additionally, the paper compares the rate of disparity of per capita income between six major industrial states. The study finds that underutilization of capacity is driven by an unequal distribution of high-skilled labor supply and upgraded technologies. To address these disparities, the paper suggests that policymakers campaign for labor training and technology promotion schemes throughout all regions of India. By doing so, the study argues, the country can reduce regional inequality and improve economic outcomes for all.
JEL Code: L6, L5.
Drugs to Treat Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Wang Yao-Chin , Kung Woon-Man , Chung Yi-Hsiu , Kumar Sunil 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
Neuroinflammation is associated with disorders of the nervous system, and it
is induced in response to many factors, including pathogen infection, brain injury, toxic
substances, and autoimmune diseases. Astrocytes and microglia have critical roles in neuroinflammation.
Microglia are innate immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS),
which are activated in reaction to neuroinflammation-inducing factors. Astrocytes can
have pro- or anti-inflammatory responses, which depend on the type of stimuli presented
by the inflamed milieu. Microglia respond and propagate peripheral inflammatory signals
within the CNS that cause low-grade inflammation in the brain. The resulting alteration
in neuronal activities leads to physiological and behavioral impairment. Consequently,
activation, synthesis, and discharge of various pro-inflammatory cytokines and
growth factors occur. These events lead to many neurodegenerative conditions, such as
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis discussed in this study.
After understanding neuroinflammation mechanisms and the involvement of neurotransmitters,
this study covers various drugs used to treat and manage these neurodegenerative
illnesses. The study can be helpful in discovering new drug molecules for treating neurodegenerative
disorders.
Microsponges as Drug Delivery System: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Biharee Avadh , Bhartiya Sudha , Yadav Arpita , Thareja Suresh , Jain Akhlesh Kumar 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:Microsponges are polymeric delivery devices composed of porous microspheres that range in size from 5 to 300 micrometers. These have been explored for biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery, transdermal drug delivery, anticancer drug delivery, and bone substitutes. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of recent developments and prospects for a microsponge-based drug delivery system. The current study analyzes how the Microsponge Delivery System (MDS) is made, how it works, and how it can be used for a wide range of therapeutic purposes. The therapeutic potential and patent information of microsponge-based formulations were systematically analyzed. The authors summarize various effective techniques for developing microsponges, such as liquid-liquid suspension polymerization, quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method, water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsion solvent diffusion, oil-in-oil emulsion solvent diffusion, lyophilization method, porogen addition method, vibrating orifice aerosol generator method, electrohydrodynamic atomization method, and ultrasound-assisted microsponge. Microsponge may reduce the side effects and increase drug stability by positively altering drug release. Drugs that are both hydrophilic and hydrophobic can be loaded into a microsponge and delivered to a specific target. The microsponge delivery technology offers numerous advantages over conventional delivery systems. Microsponges, which are spherical sponge-like nanoparticles with porous surfaces, have the potential to increase the stability of medications. They also efficiently decrease the undesirable effects and alter drug release.
A Facile and Green Nitration of Easily-Hydrolyzed Aromatic Compounds
Based on Direct Filtration and H2SO4 Recycling
Authors: Li Runlai , Zhang Zhenming , Ji Jiangyu , Li He , Liu Chi , Li Shu-an 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
The conventional mixed acid nitration of aromatic hydrocarbons has been extensively applied
in the industry, but usually, it is not highly selective and may cause environmental concerns regarding
the disposal of large volumes of mixed acids. This paper proposes a new method of orientational
para-nitration of easily hydrolyzable aromatic compounds. Under the optimized reaction conditions,
the easily hydrolyzed aromatic compounds were nitrated in the H2SO4-HNO3-H3PO4 system to
yield paste-like products. And the product could be directly filtered out from the mixed acid, avoiding
a large amount of waste liquid caused by pouring the reaction mixture into ice water by the traditional
post-treatment method. The selectivity and yield of nitration by this method have been improved, and
the mother liquor could be reused, thereby reducing the cost and pollution.
Risk Factors Related to the Death of Admitted COVID-19 Patients: A Buffalo Study
Authors: Hanh Doan Le Minh , Hao Phan Thai , Oanh Do Thi Tuong , Tho Nguyen Van 
Published: April 2023

Background:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may result in a severe acute respiratory syndrome that leads to a worldwide pandemic. Despite the increasing understanding of COVID-19 disease, the mortality rate of hospitalized COVID-19 patients remains high.

Objective:
To investigate the risk factors related to the mortality of admitted COVID-19 patients during the peak of the epidemic from August 2021 to October 2021 in Vietnam.

Methods:
This is a prospective cohort study performed at the Hospital for Rehabilitation–Professional diseases. The baseline and demographic data, medical history, clinical examination, the laboratory results were recorded for patients admitted to the hospital with confirmed COVID-19. A radiologist and a pulmonologist will read the chest radiographs on admission and calculate the Brixia scores to classify the severity of lung abnormalities. Patients were followed up until beingrecovered or their death. Comparison of clinical and subclinical characteristics between recovery and death groups to find out risk factors related to the death of COVID-19 patients

Results:
Among 104 admitted COVID-19 patients, men accounted for 42.3%, average age of 61.7 ± 13.7. The most common symptoms were fever 76.9%, breathlessness 74%, and fatigue 53.8%. The majority (84.6%) of the study population had at least one co-morbidity, including hypertension (53.8%), diabetes (25.9%), gastritis (19.2%), ischemic heart disease (15.4) %), stroke (9.6%) and osteoarthritis (9.6%). The rate of mild and moderate COVID-19 is 13.4%, severe 32.7%, and critical 40.4%. There are 88 inpatients (84.6%) who needed respiratory support. The median hospital stay was 13 days (IQR 10-17.75 days). The rate of intubated patients with mechanical ventilation was 31.7%. The overall mortality rate was 29.8%. Risk factors related to death included Brixia scores > 9, Urea > 7 mmol/L, Ferrtin > 578 ng/ml, Failure to get vaccinated, Age > 60 years, and Low Oxygen SpO2 < 87% (BUFFALO).

Conclusion:
The main result of the study is the independent risk factors related to the death of admitted COVID-19 patients including Brixia scores > 9, Urea > 7 mmol/L, Ferrtin > 578 ng/ml, Failure to get vaccinated, Age > 60 years, and Low Oxygen SpO2 < 87% ((BUFFALO) which suggests that these COVID-19 patients should be closely followed up.
СУЧАСНА ГІПОЛІПІДЕМІЧНА ТЕРАПІЯ (ОГЛЯД ЛІТЕРАТУРИ)
Authors: Ю.В. Боцюрко  
Published: April 2023

Статини є високоефективними препаратами профілактики та ліку- вання атеросклеротичних серцево-судинних захворювань. При тривалому застосуванні вони дозволяють знизити серцево-судинний ризик, зменшуючи вміст холестерину ліпопротеїнів низької щільності крові (ХС ЛПНЩ). Однак навіть при поєднанні високодозового режиму статинотерапії з прийомом езетімібу далеко не завжди вдається досягнути цільових показників ХС ЛПНЩ згідно сучасних рекомендацій. Таким чином, існує незадоволена клінічна потреба в нових ліпідзнижуючих препаратах, які можуть знижувати рівень холестерину ліпопротеїдів низької щільності та інші атерогенні ліпопротеїни. Протягом останнього десятиліття було розроблено низку нових препаратів для лікування дисліпідемії, що відображено в даному огляді.
Ключові слова: ХС ЛПНЩ, статини, інклісіран, інгібітори PCSK9,
бемпедоєва кислота.