bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In-vitro Anti-cancer Activity of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Ziziphus mauritiana in Cervical Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Sheeba H. , Ali M. Syed , Anuradha V. 
Published: March 2020

Aim: The fungal crude extract of Trichoderma viride isolated from the medicinal plant of Ziziphus mauritiana was investigated for anti-cancer activity against HeLa cell line.
Place and Duration of Study: The entire research work was done in the Department of Biotechnology, Mohammed Sathak College of Arts and Science, Chennai, India and Stellixir Biotech Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, between April 2019 to June 2019.
Methodology: In MTT assay, cells were seeded in 96 well plates with concentrations of 2.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 μl/ml of fungal bioactive compound and the absorbance was measured at 570 nm. Apoptosis was carried out via flow cytometry using control Camptothecin and fungal extract concentration. Subsequently, cell cycle arrest was determined by 400 μl PI/RNAse staining buffer and further analyzed using PI solutions by flow cytometry. Finally, the damage of the nucleus observed under a Fluorescent microscope using DAPI staining.
Results: MTT assay revealed an obtained fungal compound showed IC50 concentration against the HeLa cells at 23.57 μg/ml. Apoptosis analysis suggested under the M1 population the viable cells are low in mean Annexin V-FITC while M2 is the apoptotic cells have taken up the Annexin V-FITC and high in mean Annexin V-FITC fluorescence intensity. The cell cycle arrest has been noted by decreasing the percentage of arrest in the G0/G1 phase and increased in S and G2/M phase compared to controls. In the course of DAPI staining, it has been understood that IC50 23.57 μg/ml has an efficient nuclear dent after the treatment.
Conclusion: In-vitro studies revealed that Trichoderma viride has promising cytotoxicity effect against the HeLa cell line. Hence the bioactive compounds of 3-beta-hydroxy urs-12-en-28-oic acid which is responsible for the treatment of cervical cancer. However in-vivo experiments need to be conceded out for further studies.
Isolation of Bacteria with Potential of Producing Extracellular Enzymes (Amylase, Cellulase and Protease) from Soil Samples
Authors: Fasiku Samuel Adedayo , Ogunsola Olaolu Fikayo , Fakunle Adeola , Olanbiwoninu Afolake Atinuke 
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Amylase, cellulase and protease are known for hydrolyzing starch, cellulose and protein respectively and these enzymes can be produced by microorganisms. A single bacterium with potential of producing amylase, cellulase and protease will be an organism of high industrial value.
Aims: This work aimed at isolating bacteria that will be able to produce three extracellular enzymes (amylase, cellulase and protease).
Methodology: Soil samples were collected from eight different locations within Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo Town, Nigeria. Bacteria were isolated from these soil samples and were identified using morphological and biochemical characteristics. Isolated bacteria were screened for their ability to produce amylase, cellulase and protease on plate and enzymes’ relative activities on plate were determined.
Results: Forty two bacteria were isolated from soil samples and identified to belong to the Genera Bacillus (30), Enterobacter (6), Klebsiella (3) and Staphylococcus (3). Eight (19%), Eleven (26%) and Nineteen (45%) out of 42 isolated bacteria were able to produce amylase, cellulase and protease on plate with relative activities ranging from 1.25 – 2.88, 1.39 – 4.50 and 1.13 – 5.17 respectively. All the eight amylolytic isolates (Bacillus species (5) and Enterobacter species (3)) were able to produce the three enzymes (amylase, cellulase and protease).
Conclusion: Eight bacteria with ability to produce three enzymes (amylase, cellulase and protease) were isolated from soil samples and could be further employed in enzyme-producing industries.
Linkages between External Reserves and Economic Performance in Nigeria, 1981-2018: Bounds Test and ARDL Approaches
Authors: Ojiako Ifeanyi A. 
Published: March 2020

Aims: This study seeks to explore a two-way relationship between Nigeria’s economic performance, measured by the GDP, and her stock of foreign reserves over time.
Study Design: It uses secondary data - documented time series of Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) and foreign exchange reserves (FER) – collected from various volumes of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin. The annual time series data cover a period of 38 years, from 1981-2018.
Methodology: The time series properties of the variables were verified using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit roots’ test procedure. Also, the Bounds test technique was used to test for cointegration while the autoregressive distributed-lag (ARDL) and error correction models were estimated to analyze short- and long-run relationships between the variables. Relevant diagnostic tests were carried out to validate the resultant model estimates.
Results: Results of unit roots’ test reveal both GDP and foreign reserves as I(1) series. Bounds test for the GDP model revealed an observed F-statistic (.421) that is less than the critical lower bound F-statistic (4.94) at P=.05 and cointegrating relationship was not confirmed. However, Bounds test for the foreign reserves revealed an observed F-statistic (6.445) lager than the critical upper bound F-statistic (5.73) at P=.05 and cointegration was established leading to specification of a long-run error correction model (ECM). Result of ARDL model estimation shows that only one-year-lag of GDP was significant (P=.05) and positive in explaining variations in the current GDP. Previous year’s values of both GDP and foreign reserves have positive influence on the long-run foreign exchange with over 81.8% explanatory power. The adjustment coefficient of the error correction equation is highly significant (P=.001) with the desired negative sign, implying that previous periods’ errors are correctable by adjustments in the subsequent periods, and convergence is attainable. Granger-Causality test result revealed a unidirectional causality that runs from GDP to the external reserves.
Conclusion: The study establishes a long-run relationship between stock of foreign reserves and economic performance in Nigeria. The finding corroborates the view that a booming economy has the propensity to attract foreign direct investment thereby boosting the stock of the country’s foreign reserves. To attract more FDI in the critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, the government should create enabling and investment-friendly environment, implement policies and programmes capable of amplify ease-of-doing-business, and boost investors’ confidence in the economy.
Preoperative CT Colonography in Partially Obstructed Colon Cancer, and its Benefit in Surgical Management
Authors: Zubaidi A. , Al-Kharji H. , Abdulla M. , Al-Obeed O. , Al-Khayal K. , El-Sharkawy M. , Al Boukai A. 
Published: March 2020

Background and aims
Stenotic colorectal carcinoma impending obstruction (SCRCIO) is a frequently encountered situation complicating 10% to 19% of colorectal cancers. This group of patients cannot undergo complete colonoscopic assessment. The aim of this study is to examine the accuracy of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) as preoperative assessment of the colon of patients with SCRCIO and to measure the effect on the surgical decision.

Materials and methods
This was a prospective study, from September 2009 through December 2012, on a cohort of symptomatic adult patients with SCRCIO. Patients underwent CTC evaluation after failed conventional colonoscopy (CC), followed by a follow-up endoscopic examination 3–6 months after surgical treatment.

Results
Twenty-nine patients with an average age of 55 were included in this study; the majority of stenotic masses were located in the sigmoid colon. Preoperative CTC matched the colonoscopy location of the stenotic masses (17 patients). CTC sensitivity per stenotic lesion detection was 100% and 92.5% for the location. Sensitivity was 100% for synchronous lesions, and CTC changed surgical plan in 17% of the patients.

Conclusion
CTC presented high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the identification of colonic lesions of any size. Preoperative CTC may possibly become the diagnostic procedure of choice for SCRCIO patients. It enables surgeons to evaluate the entire colon, minimizing the possibility of surgical re-intervention if there is a finding of synchronous neoplastic lesions at postoperative follow-up endoscopy.
Clinical Significance of Soluble Fibrin in Coagulopathy Caused by Highly Invasive Surgery
Authors: Satoh Hajime , Kushihata Fumiki , Hatano Masahide , Watanabe Jota , Takada Yasutsugu 
Published: March 2020

Background
The clinical use of soluble fibrin (SF) as a coagulation marker is increasing. However, its diagnostic role in critical coagulopathy during invasive abdominal surgery has not been examined.

Methods
In the present study we evaluated changes in SF and other conventional markers, and we performed statistical examination of risk factors in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). A total of 44 highly invasive surgeries (segmental hepatectomy or more, 28; pancreaticoduodenectomy, 9; distal pancreatectomy, 5; and splenectomy, 2) were included. After excluding 7 patients who did not develop DIC, 37 patients were classified into 2 groups: the SIRS-associated coagulopathy (SAC) group, in which SAC remained after surgery (n = 16), and the DIC group, which developed DIC (n = 21). All patients received a diagnosis of SAC on postoperative day 1 (POD1) and DIC on POD2.

Results
Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences only in the SF level and fibrinogen degradation product (FDP; odds ratios, 14.4 and 7.8). A prediction formula was then prepared based on the β value: P = 1 / [1 + exp {–(2.665 × SF + 2.049 × FDP – 1.309)}]. The sensitivity and specificity of the prediction formula were 71% and 94%, respectively.

Conclusions
These results showed that the risk factors in the DIC group were SF and FDP on POD1, with SF being the stronger risk factor. Operative stress can be quantified using the SF level on POD1, enabling more specific perioperative management from the perspective of postoperative coagulopathy control.
Prognostic Performance of Three Lymph Node Staging Systems in Patients After D2 Lymphadenectomy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Huang Ze-Ping , Zhang Wen-Jun , Wang Zi-Xian , Liu Hai-Peng , Zeng Xiang-Ting , Chen Kang , Li Mei , Chen Zhao-Feng , Zhang Dong-Sheng , Chen Xiao 
Published: March 2020

Background
Accurate staging of lymph node (LN) status is essential for predicting prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Recent proposals suggest that lymph node ratio (LNR) and log odds of metastatic lymph nodes (LODDS) may have superior accuracy in predicting survival by minimizing stage migration. The aim of the present study was to compare the prognostic performances of the UICC (pN), LNR and LODDS staging systems and incorporate the optimal system into a nomogram for predicting individual survival in patients with resectable gastric cancer.

Methods
The study cohort comprised of 423 patients who had undergone D2 lymphadenectomy. The discriminatory powers of the different LN staging systems were compared using the concordance index (C-index). The optimal system was incorporated into a prognostic nomogram with other independent prognosticators, and bootstrap validation was performed.

Results
When LN status was assessed as a continuous variable, the LNR system (C-index: 0.712) was superior to pN (C-index: 0.695) and LODDS (C-index: 0.704). Age, LNR, and preoperative serum CA 19-9 and CA 125 were incorporated into a nomogram for predicting 2-year overall survival. Internal validation of the nomogram revealed good predictive abilities, with a bootstrap-corrected concordance index of 0.704.

Conclusion
Overall, LNR was the optimum predicator of survival in patients with resectable gastric cancer on the basis of LN status. LNR was incorporated into a nomogram along with age and preoperative serum CA 19-9 and CA 125. Internal validation confirmed the predictive ability of this nomogram.
Emergency Surgery and Male Gender Are Risk Factors of Postoperative Delirium After General or Gastrointestinal Surgery in Elderly Patients: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuyoshi , Shimakawa Noriko , Mizumoto Takao , Shiroyama Kazuhisa , Shichino Tsutomu , Yuzawa Kenji , Kataoka Masato , Horiuchi Tetsuya , Teshima Shin , Shibasaki Shinichi , Hirao Motohiro 
Published: March 2020

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium (PD) in elderly patients after general or gastrointestinal surgery.

Summary of background data
Societies worldwide are rapidly aging, and the number of surgeries in elderly patients has been increasing. PD, which adversely influences postoperative course, has thus become more common.

Methods
The Surgery and Anesthesia Network Group of the National Hospital Organization in Japan conducted this retrospective cohort study of patients older than 70 years of age who underwent general or gastrointestinal surgery.

Results
A total of 219 patients from 9 participating institutes underwent surgery between July 2013 and August 2014. We excluded 2 patients who died within 2 weeks after surgery. Of the remaining 217 cases, 31 (14.3%) developed PD. These patients were older (80 versus 76 years, P = 0.013), more likely to be male (74.2 versus 54.8%, P = 0.039), and had higher American Society of Anesthesia Physical Status scores than those without PD. Emergency surgery was more common than elective surgery in the PD group (41.9 versus 10.2%, P &lt; 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that male gender (odds ratio, 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.32 to 9.39; P = 0.0098) and emergency surgery (odds ratio, 7.47; 95% confidence interval, 2.79 to 20.83; P &lt; 0.0001) were independent risk factors of PD.

Conclusions
The incidence of PD was high in male patients and those undergoing emergency surgery. Effective interventions in these groups will be necessary to improve treatment outcomes in elderly patients.
Assessing Surgeons' Preferences in the Management of Fistula In Ano
Authors: Zahid Assad , Byrne Chris , Solomon Michael J , Young Christopher J. 
Published: March 2020

Background
Fistula in ano is a common condition treated by surgeons worldwide. Despite this, there is a paucity of high-quality data to aid decision-making. Hence, management presents a difficult and frustrating dilemma for the treating surgeon.

Methods
A prospective regional survey was sent to all members of General Surgeons Australia. Questions regarding surgeon demographics, patient evaluation, perianal abscess, and simple and complex fistula in ano were presented.

Results
Equipoise exists in the management of fistula in ano among general surgeons. This was noted in the management of simple and complex fistula in ano.

Conclusion
Because of the uncertainty in certain clinical scenarios and a paucity of high-quality randomized controlled trials on the management of fistula in ano, evidence-based practice is a challenge to the treating surgeon.
Nutritional Assistance by Software Improves Surgical Outcomes of Elective Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Ouaissi Mehdi , di Costanzo Jacques , Boiron Laurence , Hankard Regis , Guilbaud Théophile , Mege Diane , Maignan Aurelie , Rossi Caroline , Frasconi Cecilia , Le Huu Nho Remy , Anderson Loundou , Pirro Nicolas , Iannelli Antonio , Sielezneff Igor 
Published: March 2020

Objective
The present study analyzes nutrition support in a group of patients undergoing colorectal surgery managed by nutritional requirement software compared to a group of consecutive patients undergoing colorectal surgery with conventional nutrition

Materials and Methods
A total of 485 patients were treated between January 2000 and January 2013 with colorectal resection. Outcomes (mortality, morbidity according to Clavien classification, length of hospital stay, type of colorectal disease) in a group of patients who received nutrition support through software (SG) were compared to those in a previous series, control group (CG) with conventional nutrition support

Results
Of the patients, 59.6% were men and the median age of the population was 68.2 years (range, 19–95 years), with no difference between the 2 groups. There were significantly more malnourished patients in the SG group (SG 63.8% versus 45.2% CG; P &lt; 0.0001). The overall mortality was 2.1% lower in the SG group, but without a significant difference (SG 0.7% versus 2.7% CG). There were more severe stage III to IV complications according to Clavien classification in the SG group (SG 10.7 GC versus 17% NS), with significantly greater collections (SG 8% versus 16.9% CG; P = 0.015) and greater anastomotic leaks (SG 4% versus 13.9% CG; P &lt; 0.001). The median hospital stay was lower in the SG group (SG 12 days versus 15 days CG; P = 0.049).

Conclusion
The proposed software could contribute to optimizing the strategy of nutritional support in hospitalized patients.
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation With a Multiple-Electrode Switching System for Medium-Sized Hepatocellular Carcinomas
Authors: Tan Tunhua , Li Xuesong , Wang Qiang , Li Kun , Ma Kuansheng 
Published: March 2020

Objective
This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the safety and short-term therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with a multiple-electrode switching system (MESS) to treat medium-sized (3.1–5.0 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs).

Summary of Background Data
Conventional monopolar RFA is limited in achieving local control for tumors larger than 3 cm. Therefore, MESS-RFA was developed, and it can create a sufficiently large ablation volume, including the target tumor and a 5- to 10-mm safety margin in medium-sized tumors.

Methods
We performed a total of 168 RFAs with a MESS for 166 patients. The patients were treated under ultrasonographic guidance by a percutaneous switching system RFA with a multichannel RF generator and 2 or 3 internally cooled electrodes. Technical effectiveness, local progression, and remote recurrence of HCC were determined.

Results
For the 166 isolated HCC tumors, the complete ablation rate of MESS-RFA was 98.79% (164 of 166). Mean ablation time per procedure was 12.33 ± 3.01 minutes; mean ablation diameter was 5.79 ± 0.61 cm. The complication rate was 2.41%. During follow-up (averaging 16.54 months), local tumor progression occurred in 15 of 166 patients (9.03%) with technical effectiveness, whereas new HCCs were detected in 40 of 166 patients (24.09%). Multivariate analyses revealed that local tumor progression was only associated with serum α-fetoprotein levels above 100 ng/mL as a risk factor.

Conclusion
MESS-RFA for achieving sufficient ablation volume is safe and efficient. This method also showed relatively successful therapeutic effectiveness on short-term follow-up in the treatment of medium-sized HCCs.
Changes in Medial Meniscal Three‐Dimensional Position and Morphology As Predictors of Knee Replacement in Rapidly Progressing Knee Osteoarthritis: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Roth Melanie , Emmanuel Katja , Wirth Wolfgang , Kwoh C. Kent , Hunter David J. , Hannon Michael J. , Eckstein Felix 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveTo assess whether quantitative changes in the meniscus predict progression from early knee osteoarthritis (OA) to knee replacement (KR).MethodsA nested case–control study was conducted among Osteoarthritis Initiative participants: all 35 case knees with baseline Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grade ≤2 that had KR between 36 and 60 months were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and baseline K/L grade to 35 control knees without subsequent KR. Quantitative 3‐dimensional medial meniscus position and morphologic measures were determined from magnetic resonance imaging at the visit just before KR and 2 years before. Paired t‐tests and case–control odds ratios (ORs, standardized per SD of change in controls) were used to compare changes between groups.ResultsCases (52% women, age 65 ± 7 years, body mass index [BMI] 30 ± 4 kg/m2, K/L grades 0/1/2: 5/8/22 participants, respectively) and controls (52% women, age 64 ± 7 years, BMI 30 ± 5 kg/m2, K/L grades 0/1/2: 9/4/22 participants, respectively) were similar. Compared to control knees, KR case knees displayed longitudinal changes, specifically, a decrease in tibial plateau coverage, an increase in meniscal extrusion, and a decrease in meniscal width. The odds for KR increased with greater reduction in the percentage of tibial plateau coverage (OR 2.28 [95% CI confidence interval (95% CI) 1.43, 3.64]), a greater increase in maximal extrusion (OR 1.40 [95% CI 1.12, 1.75]), and a greater reduction of mean meniscal width (OR 2.01 [95% CI 1.23, 3.26]). The odds for KR increased with medial compartment cartilage thickness loss (OR 2.86 [95% CI 1.51, 5.41]) for comparison.ConclusionQuantitative measures of meniscal position and morphology are associated with subsequent KR in knees with rapidly progressing knee OA. These findings show that structural changes of the meniscus are related to an important clinical and economic outcome of knee OA.
Ultrathin Polydopamine Films with Phospholipid Nanodiscs Containing a Glycophorin A Domain
Authors: Marchesi D'Alvise Tommaso , Harvey Sean , Hueske Lisa , Szelwicka Jolanta , Veith Lothar , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Kubiczek Dennis , Flaig Carolin , Port Fabian , Gottschalk Kay‐E. , Rosenau Frank , Graczykowski Bartlomiej , Fytas George , Ruggeri Francesco S. , Wunderlich Katrin , Weil Tanja 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCellular membranes have long served as an inspiration for nanomaterial research. The preparation of ultrathin polydopamine (PDA) films with integrated protein pores containing phospholipids and an embedded domain of a membrane protein glycophorin A as simplified cell membrane mimics is reported. Large area, ultrathin PDA films are obtained by electropolymerization on gold surfaces with 10–18 nm thickness and dimensions of up to 2.5 cm2. The films are transferred from gold to various other substrates such as nylon mesh, silicon, or substrates containing holes in the micrometer range, and they remain intact even after transfer. The novel transfer technique gives access to freestanding PDA films that remain stable even at the air interfaces with elastic moduli of ≈6–12 GPa, which are higher than any other PDA films reported before. As the PDA film thickness is within the range of cellular membranes, monodisperse protein nanopores, so‐called “nanodiscs,” are integrated as functional entities. These nanodisc‐containing PDA films can serve as semi‐permeable films, in which the embedded pores control material transport. In the future, these simplified cell membrane mimics may offer structural investigations of the embedded membrane proteins to receive an improved understanding of protein‐mediated transport processes in cellular membranes.