bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do high levels of Amylase following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy predict devastating complications?
Authors: Horn Amyt , Assalia Ahmad , Sayida Sa'd , Mahajna Ahmad 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Gastric leak post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a severe complication that may lead to sepsis and even to patient's death. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. It was hypnotized that the appearance of high levels of amylase, especially in the drain, may indicate a leak from the gastric staple line. The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the incidence of Amylase increase in the blood, urine and drain fluid, after LSG and to examine whether the appearance of high levels of Amylase indicates the existence of a major complication and especially a leak from the staple line.
Methods

From 161 patients whom underwent Sleeve gastrectomy, we prospectively evaluated the demographic information, including Body-mass-index (BMI), comorbidities, complications during the surgery or hospitalization, laboratory data including complete blood count, liver function tests, glucose and Amylase levels in blood, urine and drain. Testing for the normal distribution of the variables was performed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Based on the results of this test we performed T- test or Mann-Whitney test to find differences between groups. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed to examine the independent variables which can predict a rise in Amylase values above the upper limit number (ULN).
Results

Of 161 patients in this study, 35 patients (21.8%) had a rise in the Amylase values in blood, urine and/or drain, and 126 patients (78.2%) had normal values of Amylase until discharge. Amylase rise has been found to be correlated with Neutrophilia (OR = 5.4, p = 0.003), indirect hyperbilirubinemia (OR = 3.9, p = 0.022) and a decline in phosphate level (OR = 2.48, p = 0.019). Furthermore, a rise in Amylase is significantly associated to a rise in Aspartate and Aspartate transaminase transaminases (AST and ALT), Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Creatine-phosphokinase (CPK), Glucose and leukocytes, and a decline in lymphocytes and Calcium. No significant change was found in the duration of the operation and neither in the length of hospitalization. No specific complication was found to be significantly higher in any of the groups. One patient suffered from staple line leak and was treated conservatively. The diagnosis was done in post- operative day three by abdominal CT-scan. The amylase levels in the blood and the drain were normal and only a slight increase of amylase in urine was measured.
Conclusions

Increase in Amylase after LSG doesn't necessarily indicate a major complication such as staple line leak and in the vast majority of cases, it seems to have no clinical relevancy. Therefore, it should not automatically lead to a full clinical investigation in the absence of further clinical signs. Our results suggest that there is no clinical justification for Amylase tests in any method after LSG.
Weight maintenance interventions for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Sauchelli Sarah , Bradley Julia , Cox Jennifer , England Clare , Perry Rachel 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Weight loss maintenance is a challenge for people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), which attenuates the long-term benefits of weight loss for diabetes management. Medication, specific dietary requirements, and the psychosocial burden of T2DM signify that weight loss maintenance designed for obesity may not suit people with T2DM. The primary objective of this review is to comprehensively evaluate existing weight maintenance interventions for people with or at high risk of T2DM. Methods: Web of Science, Medline, PsychINFO, Embase and international trials registers will be used to search for studies assessing the effects of weight maintenance interventions in adults with a clinical diagnosis of T2DM or pre-diabetes. Studies with glucose control and/or weight as primary outcomes will be eligible. Human screening and study inclusion using Rayyan will be run in parallel to semi-automated screening with AbstrackR. Eligible studies will be scrutinised for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Version 3 tool or the ROBINS-I tool, and methodological quality will be evaluated via the GRADE system.Discussion: This review will critically appraise existing weight maintenance interventions targeting T2DM. Findings will inform future intervention development to support people with T2DM delay weight regain and prolong successful diabetes management. Systematic Review Registration (PROSPERO): 168032
Cost of Revision Total Knee Replacement: A Protocol For Systematic Review And Meta Analysis
Authors: Okafor Charles Ebuka , Nghiem Son , Vertullo Christopher , Byrnes Joshua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background A major limitation of Total Knee Replacement (TKR) as to other joint replacements is the risk is revision. Revision TKR is associated with high risk and economic burden to patients, healthcare provider and the society. It will be worthwhile to analyze how close or far the economic burden of revision TKR vary across countries or already existing studies. It is important to compare the studies characteristics and identify factors that are determinants of cost and outcome variability in the management in order to inform decisions for future revision TKR. This study aim to review the literature on the cost of revision TKR to assess cost variation across countries and studies; estimate a pooled cost estimate; identify factors that contribute the high cost and provide recommendation for cost minimization; identify limitation and gaps in cost burden assessment of existing studies and provide recommendations for future research.Methods We will search MEDLINE (OvidSp), Embase, Cochrane Library, EconLit, Google Scholar and Scopus to identify relevant studies. We will use an advanced search approach to search for relevant studies. EndNote library will be used to manage searched studies. Selection will done in two phase: screening and eligibility. Selection, data extraction assessment of risk of bias will be done in duplicates after which the data will be analysed descriptively and a meta-analysis performed.Discussion This protocol provides a proposed stepwise plan in conducting a systematic review and meta-analyses of cost of revision total knee replacement. Findings from this systematic review will provide information about factors associated with high costs of revision TKR, proffer recommendations to minimize cost and inform where future knee arthroplasty management decisions and future research should focus.Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020171988
Validity of two-dimensional analyses for the assessment of dynamic foot alignment during walking
Authors: Miyazaki Takasuke , Kawada Masayuki , Kiyama Ryoji , Yone Kazunori 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Several studies indicate that static foot posture bears a low relevance to dynamic foot alignment during walking. Thus, dynamic alignment assessment capable of being utilized in a clinical practice is required for an accurate estimation of foot function. This study aimed to examine the validity of two-dimensional analysis using a tablet computer for estimation of foot alignment during walking, by making a comparison with a motion capture system and static foot alignment screenings.Methods Validity of two-dimensional (2D) analysis of foot alignment during walking using a tablet computer, by making a comparison with a motion capture system and static screenings in healthy subjects. Fourteen healthy males and 15 healthy females participated in this study. Arch height of the right foot while walking was measured using a tablet computer and a motion capture system simultaneously. Arch height at the mid-stance (Mst) and pre-swing (PSw) phase were calculated from kinematic data measured by the tablet computer and motion analysis system, respectively. Static foot alignment also was assessed through the use of a screening test including arch height index and foot posture index. To examine the validity of foot assessment using 2D analysis, we conducted correlation analysis between the arch height at Mst and PSw as measured by a tablet computer and a motion capture system. Meanwhile, FPI and AHI were used to test the relation to arch height at Mst as measured by a motion capture system.Results Arch height, as measured by the motion capture system, showed a significant correlation with that measured using a tablet computer at Mst (r = 0.90, p < 0.001) and PSw (r = 0.94, p < 0.001), and arch height index (r = 0.50, p = 0.005), especially the former. Meanwhile, foot posture index (r = − 0.34, p = 0.075) showed no relation to arch height as measured by the motion capture system.Conclusion These results demonstrate the high validity of 2D analysis using a tablet computer for estimation of foot alignment during walking. Such gait analysis can be effective in assessing dynamic foot alignment in clinical practice.
Research on the effect of the size of the wall-hanging air-conditioner indoor unit on the indoor thermal comfort
Authors: Caozhu Kuanbing , Ji Changfa 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The geometrical dimension of the wall-hanging air-conditioner indoor unit affects the indoor thermal comfort. In this paper, fluent software is used and standard k-e two equation turbulent model is chosen to carry out the simulation of the indoor temperature field and flow field of six different sizes of the single wall-hanging indoor air-conditioner in the room. The temperature distribution, velocity distribution and PMV distribution of the plane which is 1.8 m from the ground are given. It can be known that under the condition of six kinds of sizes of the wall-hanging air-conditioner indoor unit, when the size of the air-conditioner indoor unit is 0.4m × 0.2m × 0.2 m, the temperature variation at the z = 1.8 m section is relatively small, the temperature distribution is more uniform. When the size of the air-conditioner indoor unit is 0.5m × 0.2m × 0.2 m, the temperature difference at the z = 1.8 m section is relatively smaller, PMV is closest to 0, and the thermal sensation is almost moderate. Therefore when the size of the air-conditioner indoor unit is 0.5m × 0.2m × 0.2 m, better indoor comfort can be achieved.
A common approach for absolute quantification of short chain CoA thioesters in industrially relevant gram-positive and gram-negative prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes
Authors: Gläser Lars , Kuhl Martin , Jovanovic Sofija , Fritz Michel , Vögeli Bastian , Erb Tobias , Becker Judith , Wittmann Christoph 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Thioesters of coenzyme A participate in 5% of all enzymatic reactions and at least one third of all cellular carbon is typically metabolized through a CoA thioester. In microbial cell factories, they function as building blocks for products of recognized commercial value, including natural products such as polyketides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, biofuels, and biopolymers. A core spectrum of approximately 5 – 10 short chain thioesters is present in many microbes, as inferred from their genomic repertoire. The relevance these metabolites explains the high interest to trace and quantify them in microbial cells.Results: Here, we describe a common workflow for extraction and absolute quantification of short chain CoA thioesters in different gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and eukaryotic yeast, i.e. Corynebacterium glutamicum, Streptomyces albus, Pseudomonas putida, and Yarrowia lipolytica. The approach detected CoA thioesters down to the level of 40 attomole and exhibited high precision and reproducibility for all microbes as shown by principal component analysis. Furthermore, it provided interesting insights into microbial CoA-spectra. A succinyl-CoA synthase defective mutant of C. glutamicum, exhibited an unaffected level of succinyl-CoA, which indicated a complete compensation of the l-lysine pathway to bypass the disrupted TCA cycle. Methylmalonyl-CoA, an important building block of high-value polyketides, was identified as dominant CoA thioester in the microbe. S. albus revealed a more than 10,000-fold difference in the abundance of intracellular CoA thioesters. A recombinant strain of S. albus, which produced different derivatives of the antituberculosis polyketide pamamycin, revealed a significant depletion of CoA thioesters of the ethylmalonyl CoA pathway, influencing product level and spectrum. Conclusions: The high relevance of short chain CoA thioesters to synthetize industrial products and the interesting insights gained from the examples shown in this work, suggest analyzing these metabolites in microbial cell factories more routinely than done so far. Due to its broad application range, the developed approach appears useful to be applied this purpose. Hereby, the possibility to use on single protocol promises to facilitate automatized efforts, which rely on standardized workflows.
An analytic perspective of a mixed methods study during humanitarian crises in South Sudan: translating facility- and community-based newborn guidelines into practice
Authors: Sami Samira , Amsalu Ribka , Dimiti Alexander , Jackson Debra , Kenneth Kemish , Kenyi Solomon , Meyers Janet , Mullany Luke C , Scudder Elaine , Tomczyk Barbara , Kerber Kate 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: In South Sudan, civil war worsened in 2016 leading to massive displacement in Juba that rapidly spread to other regions of the country. Access to health care is sparse due to attacks on health facilities and workers; pregnant women and newborns are amongst the most vulnerable in this context. The feasibility of implementing a new package of community- and facility-based newborn health interventions was assessed in displaced person camps during periods of sudden violence from 2016 to 2017. The case study aimed to understand implementation research outcomes such as acceptability, adoption, and other factors influencing implementation.Discussion: Countries with the highest neonatal mortality have recently experienced humanitarian emergencies and the translation of newborn guidelines into public health practice, particularly during periods of on-going violence, are not well understood or operationalized in these contexts. Unique challenges to conducting research in South Sudan included violent attacks against health facilities and workers that required implementing partners to modify modes of service delivery on an ongoing basis to ensure staff and patient safety. South Sudan faced devastating outbreaks such as a cholera and measles that shifted response priorities and then a new wave of displacement due to conflict resulted in staff relocation. Costs associated with transporting study staff and equipment kept rising due to hyperinflation, and study co-investigators were unable to return to South Sudan for some months following the July 2016 violence to conduct refresher trainings or monitor data collection. Strategies used to address these challenges were: collaborating with diverse partners to identify creative solutions; hiring locally-based research staff; maintaining flexible budgets and timelines; using mobile data collection to conduct timely data entry and remote quality checks; and utilizing a cascade training approach to train field researchers. Conclusions: The study provides lessons that are applicable to similar humanitarian settings, including the need for adaptable research methods, flexible budgets, innovative training, remote supervision, local researchers, and careful consideration of sociopolitical factors that impact access and safety of research staff. Engagement of community stakeholders can ensure data collection and interventions continue and findings translate to public health action, even in contexts facing extreme and unpredictable insecurity.
Immunoinformatic design of a COVID-19 subunit vaccine using entire structural immunogenic epitopes of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Behmard Esmaeil , Soleymani Bijan , Najafi Ali , Barzegari Ebrahim 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is an acute resolved disease, with estimated 3.4% case fatality rate. Due to insufficient data and short onset time of the disease, researchers have to change the strategy against its associated virus, SARS-CoV-2. One of these strategies is the use of computational methods in the field of drug and vaccine design, which can greatly reduce the time and cost of the therapeutic or immunogenic development projects. In this study, we employed various immunoinformatics tools to design a multi-epitope vaccine polypeptide with the highest potential for activating the human immune system against SARS-CoV-2. The initial epitope set was extracted from the whole set of viral structural proteins. Their potential non-toxic and non-allergenic T-cell and B-cell binding and cytokine inducing epitopes were then identified through a priori immunoinformatic prediction. Selected epitopes were bonded to each other with appropriate links. A suitable adjuvant was added to the N-terminus of the vaccine polypeptide sequence to increase its immunogenicity. Molecular modelling of the 3D structure of the vaccine polypeptide, docking, molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations confirmed that the designed vaccine had high affinity for Toll-like receptor 3 binding, and that the vaccine-receptor complex was highly stable. Therefore, the designed polypeptide is promising for antigenicity and inducing an effective and safe immune response against SARS-CoV-2 inside the human body.
Polymeric Nanoparticles for Brain Drug Delivery - A Review
Authors: Raman Subashini , Mahmood Syed , Hilles Ayah R. , Javed Md Noushad , Azmana Motia , Al-Japairai Khater Ahmed Saeed 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a most hindering role in drug delivery to the brain. Recent
research comes out with the nanoparticles approach, is continuously working towards improving the delivery to the
brain. Currently, polymeric nanoparticle is extensively involved in many therapies for spatial and temporal targeted
areas delivery.

Methods:
We did a non-systematic review, and the literature was searched in Google, Science Direct and PubMed. An
overview is provided for the formulation of polymeric nanoparticles using different methods, effect of surface modification
on the nanoparticle properties with types of polymeric nanoparticles and preparation methods. An account of different
nanomedicine employed with therapeutic agent to cross the BBB alone with biodistribution of the drugs.

Results:
We found that various types of polymeric nanoparticle systems are available and they prosper in delivering
the therapeutic amount of the drug to the targeted area. The effect of physicochemical properties on nanoformulation
includes change in their size, shape, elasticity, surface charge and hydrophobicity. Surface modification of polymers
or nanocarriers is also vital in the formulation of nanoparticles to enhance targeting efficiency to the brain.

Conclusion:
More standardized methods for the preparation of nanoparticles and to assess the relationship of surface
modification on drug delivery. While the preparation and its output like drug loading, particle size, and charge, permeation
is always conflicted, so it requires more attention for the acceptance of nanoparticles for brain delivery.
Carbon Nanotubes: An Emerging Drug Delivery Carrier in Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Panigrahi Biman Kumar , Nayak Amit Kumar 
Published: May 2020

Background:
The scope of nanotechnology has been extended to almost every sphere of our
daily life. As a result of this, nanocarriers like Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are gaining considerable attention
for their use in various therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Objective:
The objective of the current article is to review various important features of CNTs that
make them as efficient carriers for anticancer drug delivery in cancer therapeutics.

Methods:
In this review article, different works of literature are reported on various prospective applications
of CNTs in the targeting of multiple kinds of cancerous cells of different organs via the loading
of various anticancer agents.

Results:
Actually, CNTs are the 3rd allotropic type of the carbon-fullerenes that are a part of the cylindrical
tubular architecture. CNTs possess some excellent physicochemical characteristics and unique
structural features that provide an effective platform to deliver anticancer drugs to target specific sites
for achieving a high level of therapeutic effectiveness even in cancer therapeutics. For better results,
CNTs are functionalized and modified with different classes of therapeutically bioactive molecules via
the formation of stable covalent bonding or by the use of supramolecular assemblies based on the noncovalent
interaction(s). In recent years, the applications of CNTs for the delivery of various kinds of
anticancer drugs and targeting of tumor sites have been reported by various research groups.

Conclusion:
CNTs represent an emerging nanocarrier material for the delivery and targeting of numerous
anticancer drugs in cancer therapeutics.
Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity of Saponin Extracted from Six Egyptian Sea-cucumber Species, Licorice, and Ginseng
Authors: Eissa Samia H. , Salem Hoda K. , Omran Nahla E. , Kabbash Amal M. , Amer Wesam H. , Kandeil Manar A. 
Published: May 2020

Background:
The study aimed to compare the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of
saponin extracted from six sea-cucumber species, licorice, and ginseng to determine the most potent
one.

Methods:
Antimicrobial activity assessed by well diffusion and agar dilution methods. The inhibitory
effects of the tested extracts on cell growth of Liver (HePG-2) and breast (MCF-7) cell lines assessed
by MTT [3- (4, 5- dimethyl thiazol-2yl) - 2, 5- diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay.

Results:
The results revealed that licorice extract presented higher antibacterial activity against
Gram-positive bacterial strains than sea-cucumber extracts; but has comparable results for Gramnegative
(Salmonella tyhimurium, Klebsiella spp, and Acinetobacter baumanii). Holothuria atra
body wall and Bohadschia tubules have the highest antifungal effect against Candida albicans, Candida
krusei, Candida famata, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis. Sea-cucumbers are more
potent against fungal strains than licorice and ginseng extract. Licorice and ginseng presented higher
cytotoxicity against HePG2 and MCF-7 cell lines than sea-cucumbers.

Conclusion:
This study promotes the use of licorice extract as a better antibacterial substance than
sea-cucumber extracts; however, the use of sea-cucumber extracts as antifungal agents than herbal
extracts. Also, we support the utilization of licorice and ginseng as a cytotoxic agent instead of seacucumbers
to stop the fishing of animals and consequently save it from extinction.