bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promising results of captopril in improving knee arthrofibrosis and cartilage status: an animal model study
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Ali , Azad Ali , Erfani Amirhossein , Shahriarirad Reza , Azarpira Negar 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Several cytokines and growth factors start and progress the destruction process of joint hyaline cartilage and fibrosis formation. Captopril is classified as an Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in which several studies revealed that captopril significantly decreases fibrosis formation in some organs like the liver, heart, and kidney. This study aimed to evaluate the use of captopril in reducing the possibility of arthrofibrosis and osteoarthritis in an animal model.

Method
In this in-vivo animal model study, the anterior cruciate ligament of 24 rabbits was transected to induce osteoarthritis and arthrofibrosis. The control group contained 11 rabbits and the second group consisted of 13 rabbits. The second group was treated with 10 mg/ kilogram/day captopril through a nasogastric tube. The control group was treated with normal saline in the same way. Cartilage damage and osteoarthritis were evaluated by Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring system. After 30 days, animals were sacrificed, and arthrofibrosis and cartilage damage were evaluated microscopically and macroscopically.

Results
According to macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, captopril dramatically reduced arthrofibrosis formation based on visual scoring and the Masson trichrome staining system. Cartilage damage was lower in the intervention group compared to the control group.

Conclusions
Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor that demonstrated to significantly decreases the possibility of arthrofibrosis. Although the beneficial preventive effect of captopril on osteoarthritis was not proved statistically, better results may be obtained if the route of administration or drug dosage is changed.
Efficacy and safety of brolucizumab versus aflibercept in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a randomized trial in Indian patients
Authors: Mishra Sanjay Kumar , Kumar Pradeep , Khullar Srishti , Joshi Amrita , Sati Alok , Kumar Sonali Vinay , Unni Deepesh , Kumar Atul 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
The current standard treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) involves intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of two anti-VEGF drugs: brolucizumab and aflibercept, in treatment-naïve nAMD Indian patients over a period of 48 weeks.

Methods
A prospective, randomized, single-centre, single-blinded, two-arm comparative study was conducted between March 2021 and February 2022. Of the 114 patients, 56 received intravitreal injections of brolucizumab (6 mg/50 µL) while 58 received aflibercept (2 mg/50 µL). The patients received 03 initial loading doses at 4-week intervals of both the agents and then respective therapies were given as individualized pro re nata (PRN) regimen based on the signs of active macular neovascularization. The functional and anatomical outcomes measured were mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), central macular thickness (CMT, µm), presence of intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid or subretinal hyper-reflective material. Furthermore, the average number of additional injections required after the loading doses, the injection-free interval and safety of both the drugs were also assessed.

Results
Brolucizumab was found to be non-inferior to aflibercept in terms of mean change in BCVA (−0.13 ± 0.21 logMAR vs. −0.10 ± 0.15 logMAR) and reduction in CMT (−112.59 ± 81.23 µm vs. −86.38 ± 71.82 µm). The percentage of eyes with IRF and SHRM was comparable between both the groups while fewer eyes treated with brolucizumab indicated SRF presence than aflibercept after the loading doses. These beneficial effects of brolucizumab were observed with significant (p < 0.0001) lesser number of injections (1.8 ± 1.1 vs. 3.8 ± 1.5) from week 12 to week 48. Moreover, the probability of no injections after the loading doses was significantly higher with brolucizumab compared to aflibercept indicating prolonged injection-free intervals. The average ocular side effects were comparable in the two groups. One adverse event of severe vitritis requiring treatment with oral steroids occurred in Brolucizumab group, while no such event occurred in Aflibercept group.

Conclusion
The results of the present study suggest non-inferiority of brolucizumab PRN regimen to aflibercept PRN regimen in treatment naïve nAMD Indian patients while achieving longer inter-injection intervals.
Trial registration Clinical Trial Registration of India (CTRI/2021/06/034415). Registered 03 March, 2021, http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=54328&EncHid=&userName =
Phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of wild potato Solanum bulbocastanum enhance growth of modern potato varieties
Authors: Pantigoso Hugo A. , He Yanhui , Manter Daniel K. , Fonte Steven J. , Vivanco Jorge M. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Wild potato species harbor a distinctive rhizosphere microbiome relative to their modern counterparts, thus providing a competitive advantage for acquiring phosphorus (P) in their native habitats. Despite this, the effects of transferring phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), recruited from wild potatoes rhizosphere, on modern potato varieties’ performance has not been investigated. Here, it was hypothesized that PSB isolated from wild potatoes could enhance plant growth and solubilization of various P forms when co-inoculated with commercial potatoes (Solanum tuberosum).

Results
To test this hypothesis, three bacteria Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes were isolated from the rhizosphere of the wild potato Solanum bulbocastanum grown under greenhouse conditions and characterized for their P-solubilizing activities. It was found that both individual bacterial species and the consortium of the three bacteria, dissolved organic (i.e., phytin) and inorganic P (i.e., calcium phosphate) in vitro. The bacterial consortium increased dissolved P by 36-fold for calcium phosphate and sixfold for phytin compared to a sterile control and surpassed the effect of each individual PSB strain. To further evaluate the effect of the PSB consortium on plant growth and P use efficiency, the bacteria were co-inoculated on a commercial potato cultivar and amended separately with phytin, calcium phosphate, commercial P fertilizer, or a combination of the three P sources. The results showed an overall increase in total dry biomass and shoot P content in treatments co-inoculated with PSB.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that PSB isolated from wild potatoes and inoculated with modern potato varieties have the potential to enhance yield and nutrient uptake.
The potatoes of Otro: the reconstitution of an element of the Walser food heritage in NW Italy
Authors: Fontefrancesco Michele F. , Mello Margherita 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe article analyzes the trajectory of the reconstitution of the gastronomic heritage among the Italian Walser community. It focuses on the case study of potato production in the Otro Valley, in Alagna Valsesia (VC), and explores how the process of heritagization linked to these products allowed the community to reconstitute a trait of their biocultural diversity lost during the twentieth century. In so doing, it offers details about the gastronomy of potatoes among the Walser and shows that food heritagization is not always coupled with the commodification of local heritage products, but rather can foster processes of reappropriation of a traditional gastronomy.
Correlation of chest CT severity score with clinical parameters in COVID-19 pulmonary disease in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi during the pandemic period
Authors: Sharma Swati , Aggarwal Anjali , Sharma Rajat K. , Patras Elisheba , Singhal Annu 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Since November 2019, the rapid outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a public health emergency of international concern. COVID-19 disease is caused by a new variant of coronavirus, named as ‘severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.’ Chest CT has a potential role in the diagnosis, detection of complications and in predicting clinical recovery of patients or progression of coronavirus disease 2019. Degree and severity of lung involvement can be assessed by 25 point CT severity score. This quantification plays an important role to modify the treatment plan at times in critically ill patient of COVID-19. Hence, the purpose of present study was to describe and quantify the severity of COVID-19 infection on chest computed tomography (CT) by 25-point CT severity score and to determine the relationship of CT severity score with clinical and laboratory parameters.

Results
A total of 150 patients with COVID-19 disease were assessed. Mean age of the study group was 54.46 years (62.7% males and 37.3% females). The most common comorbidity present in the study group was diabetes mellitus, which was present in 17.3% cases. Severity of disease was significantly associated with age of the patient. CT severity score was positively correlated with lymphopenia and raised CRP, D-dimer and serum ferritin levels. A significant statistical correlation was found between CT severity grade and patient survival.

Conclusions
This is a large comprehensive study, collecting data from 150 cases of COVID-19 pneumonia patients, in a tertiary care hospital in India to describe the correlation of CT severity score with clinical land laboratory parameters. Chest CT severity score correlates well with laboratory parameters and can aid in predicting COVID-19 disease outcome.
Effectiveness of clinical imaging guidelines to reduce inappropriate head computed tomography imaging: a case of Uganda
Authors: Kawooya Michael G. , Kisembo Harriet Nalubega , Malumba Richard , Nsereko Ezra 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Clinical imaging guidelines (CIGs) have been demonstrated to reduce inappropriate diagnostic imaging. There is insufficient evidence for CIG effectiveness to reduce inappropriate imaging in Africa. We assessed the effectiveness of CIGs training and implementation to reduce inappropriate diagnostic imaging at Mengo Hospital, Uganda.

Methods
A clinical audit of head CT examinations was conducted at Mengo Hospital. A baseline review of 262 requisitions was done to determine the level of appropriateness for imaging requisitions. We also determined the baseline knowledge level on radiation protection (RP) and CIG use among 15 referrers. We trained these referrers on RP, awareness and use of CIGs and uploaded the iGUIDE onto their smart phones and computer work stations for use. This was followed by a post-intervention assessment where we reviewed 154 requisitions to determine the level of appropriateness. We also assessed the post-intervention knowledge level on radiation protection (RP) and CIG use among the referring clinicians.

Results
We found 53% and 47% levels of inappropriate head CT requisitions for pre- and post-intervention, respectively. At pre-intervention, we found a 73% level of knowledge on radiation protection and CIGs use while we found a 93% at post-intervention assessment among referrers.

Conclusions
Implementation and training referring clinicians on CIGs are effective in reducing inappropriateness of head CT requisitions.
Efficacy and safety of selective renal arterial embolization in renal angiomyolipoma: a prospective single-center study
Authors: Abouelkheir Rasha Taha , El-Ksas Mostafa , Abdel Fattah Sherif , Amer Talal , El-Diasty Tarek 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundPreventing acute complication of renal angiomyolipoma (AML), preserving renal parenchyma, and improving long-term renal function are the treatment targets of renal angiomyolipoma. Treatment should be considered for symptomatic lesions or those who are at risk of complications, especially bleeding symptoms, which are linked to tumor size, angiogenic component grade, and presence of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Selective arterial embolization (SAE) has become the new norm for preventive or emergency treatment of renal AMLs with minimally invasive selective targeting of small arterial feeders, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of selective renal arterial embolization (SAE) in the management of complicated renal angiomyolipoma and to detect the predictors of prophylactic SAE in cases of non-complicated AML.ResultsBleeding symptoms were significantly more frequent in patients with TSC-associated renal AMLs (C = 0.333 andp = 0.036) and patients with intra-lesional aneurysm > 3 mm (C = 0.387 andp = 0.013). Overall success rate: thirty-three (91.7%) renal AMLs were successfully embolized with no recurrence. While three (8.3%) renal AMLs were not; one (2.8%) renal AML was not embolized due to technical failure and two (5.5%) renal AMLs showed recurrence. Primary (technical) success rate: thirty-three (86.9%) successful embolization, five (13.1%) arteriographies were done with failed embolization. The maximum diameter and volume of the lesions after SAE showed statistically significant reduction (z = 4.25 andp < 0.001).ConclusionsSAE is an effective and safe technique to manage renal AMLs preoperatively or in an emergency. TSC-associated lesions, and intra-lesional aneurysms (aneurysms > 3 mm in diameter) were significantly more associated with bleeding symptoms, considering them significant predictors for prophylactic SAE in non-complicated AML.
Impact of the COVID-19 on foreign direct investment inflows in emerging economies: evidence from panel quantile regression
Authors: Koçak Sinem , Barış-Tüzemen Özge 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe study explores the role of the COVID-19 pandemic on foreign direct investment in 12 emerging countries for the period between 2014 and 2021. The world pandemic uncertainty index is used, and panel quantile regression approach is employed to analyze the effect of the pandemic on foreign investment inflows. Unlike the conditional mean regression analysis, panel quantile regression gauges the independent variables at the different locations of the dependent variable. For this reason, it provides a more comprehensive illustration of the impact of the independent variables on dependent variables. The results show that the pandemic has an inverse effect on foreign direct investment in low- and middle-foreign investment receiving countries, while the effect is insignificant in high-foreign investment receiving countries. Apparently, the health crisis has been further harmful to the countries that have weaker economic structures.
Dissolution of a Biopharmaceutics Classification System Class II Free Acid from Immediate Release Tablets Containing a Microenvironmental pH Modulator: Comparison of a Biorelevant Bicarbonate Buffering System with Phosphate Buffers
Authors: Haznar-Garbacz Dorota , Hoc Dagmara , Garbacz Grzegorz , Lachman Marek , Słomińska Daria , Romański Michał 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPoor water dissolution of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) limits the rate of absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Increasing the pH of a solid form microenvironment can enhance the dissolution of weakly acidic drugs, but data on this phenomenon in a physiologically relevant bicarbonate media are lacking. In this paper, we examined the effect of a microenvironmental pH modulator (Na2HPO4) on the dissolution of a Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class II free weak acid (ibuprofen) at biorelevant conditions, including an automatic bicarbonate buffering system, as well as in compendial (50 mM) and low-concentration (10 mM) phosphate buffers with no external pH control. The tablets of 200 mg ibuprofen with either Na2HPO4 (phosphate formulation, PF) or NaCl (reference formulation, RF) were manufactured using a compression method. In a pH 2 simulated gastric fluid, only PF produced a transient supersaturation of ibuprofen, dissolving a fourfold higher drug amount than RF. In a bicarbonate-buffered simulated intestinal fluid with a dynamically controlled pH (5.7, 7.2, and 5.8 to 7.7 gradient), PF dissolved more drug within 30 min than RF (p ≤ 0.019). Of note, the use of a 50 mM phosphate buffer pH 7.2 provided opposite results—RF dissolved the API much faster than PF. Moreover, 10 mM phosphate buffers of pH 5.6 and 7.2 could neither maintain a constant pH nor mimic the bicarbonate buffer performance. In conclusion, the use of a bicarbonate-buffered intestinal fluid, instead of phosphate buffers, may be essential in dissolution tests of BCS class II drugs combined with pH modulators.
Graphical abstract
Convolution- and Deconvolution-Based Approaches for Prediction of Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Diltiazem Extended-Release Products in Flow-Through Cell Dissolution Tester
Authors: Taha Nesrin F. , Emara Laila H. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe present study evaluated the effect of different configuration setups of the Flow-Through Cell (USP IV) dissolution tester in developing in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC). A Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Class I Diltiazem (DTZ), formulated in extended-release (ER) gel-matrix system, was employed for this purpose. The study also assessed the validity and predictability of IVIVC employing both deconvolution- and convolution-based approaches. In vitro release was conducted in USP IV as open- or closed-loop setups, while the pharmacokinetic (PK) data were obtained from a previous fasted-state cross-over study conducted on 8 healthy male volunteers, after oral administration of ER matrix tablets against market product (Tildiem Retard® 90 mg). PK parameters (Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞) were predicted, and compared with actual data to establish the strength of correlation models. Results showed that DTZ release from ER products was influenced by operating the FTC in different configuration-setups, where ≥ 75% of labeled DTZ was released after 6 h and 12 h using the open- and closed-loop settings, respectively. Correlation between fraction-dissolved versus fraction-absorbed for both ER products displayed linear relation upon employing FTC open-loop setup. Convolution-based approach was more discriminative in predicting DTZ in vivo PK parameters with a minimal prediction error, compared to deconvolution-based approach. A successful trial to predict DTZ PKs from individual in vitro data performed in USP IV dissolution model was established, employing convolution technique. Basic principle of the convolution approach provides a simple and practical method for developing IVIVC, hence could be utilized for other BCS Class I extended-release drug products.
Graphical abstract
The Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of a Cuprous Iodide-based Coordination Polymer
Authors: Sun Rui , Xiao Yu-Qing , Hu Chu-Xing , Shang Ping , Wang Ju-Ping , Jiang Xuan-Feng 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A staple-shaped linear coordination polymer containing a single metal node was constructed via a conformational adaptive synthesis strategy. Such well-defined coordination polymer CP 1 could aggregate into a highly-ordered two-dimensional supramolecular framework with ultrasmall pores through weak intermolecular π⋯π stacking interactions. The emissive complex CP 1 showed excellent photocatalytic activity for azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction (CuAAC) in solution at room temperature.
Case Report: Bilateral peritonsillar abscess with complications of upper airway obstruction
Authors: Perdana Rizka Fathoni , Rosalina Elsa 
Published: July 2022

Background: Peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus between the tonsillar fibrous capsule and the pharyngeal constrictor muscle. Unilateral peritonsillar abscess is a common complication of acute tonsillitis, whereas bilateral peritonsillar abscess is rare. The incidence of bilateral peritonsillar abscess remains unknown but is estimated to be 4.9% of all peritonsillar abscess cases. Case report: A 20-year-old man came to the emergency room with bilateral peritonsillar abscess and complained of shortness of breath for two weeks. Physical examination showed muffled voice, 82% oxygen saturation, and inspiratory stridor. The isthmus faucium was narrow, with approximately 30% remaining. Peritonsillar puncture revealed pus mixed with blood. The treatment for this patient included bilateral peritonsillar incision and drainage and intravenous antibiotics of levofloxacin and metronidazole. The patient came to the Ear, Nose, Throat, Head, and Neck (ENTHN) Outpatient Unit eight days after the procedure for a control checkup and was in good condition. Conclusion: We have reported a bilateral peritonsillar abscess with complications of upper airway obstruction, in which we performed incision and drainage. Prompt and appropriate management is needed to avoid unwanted morbidity and mortality.
Measurement of speech in individuals with selective mutism: A systematic review
Authors: Toma Yuria , Matsuda Soichiro 
Published: July 2022

Background: The main characteristic of selective mutism (SM) is the failure to speak in specific social situations. Thus, assessing speech across social contexts is important for confirming a diagnosis of SM and for differentiating it from other disorders. The purpose of this review was to organize how the core symptom of SM, a lack of speech in specific social situations, has been assessed in previous studies. Methods: A systematic search of articles was conducted in three databases, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and PubMed and reviews of surveys or experimental studies that reported empirical data on individuals with SM were performed. We excluded review, qualitative, epidemiological, and intervention studies. The study summarized the diagnostic criteria, methods of confirming SM diagnosis, distinction of SM from other disorders, and methods of speech assessment. Results: A total of 447 articles were screened, where 60 articles were considered eligible. The results demonstrate that different interviews and questionnaires were used to establish the diagnosis of SM. However, the majority of interviews and questionnaires lacked validation. Only two (2/60) articles used validated methods of speech assessment to confirm SM diagnosis. Moreover, a consensus was lacking on the assessment method for differentiating SM from other disorders across studies. Specifically, 17 studies measured speech and are not intended for diagnosis. The majority of studies (16/17) used the questionnaire to assess the severity of the SM condition, and only one study conducted behavioral observation. Assessment methods based on the measurement of speech in real-life situations for individuals with SM were not established. Conclusion: We have the limitation that we did not review intervention studies. However, this systematic review revealed the problem that speech assessment methods for surveys or experimental studies of SM were not established. Future studies should establish methods of speech assessment across social situations to assess SM symptoms.