bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
iKanEat: protocol for a randomized controlled trial of megestrol as a component of a pediatric tube weaning protocol
Authors: Edwards Sarah , Hyman Paul E. , Mousa Hayat , Bruce Amanda , Cocjin Jose , Dean Kelsey , Fleming Kandace , Romine Rebecca Swinburne , Davis Ann M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Although tube feeding routinely saves the lives of children who do not eat by mouth, chronic tube feeding can be a burden to patients, caregivers, and families. Very few randomized trials exist regarding the best methods for weaning children from their feeding tubes.

Methods
The current paper describes a randomized controlled trial of an empirically supported outpatient treatment protocol for moving children from tube to oral eating called iKanEat. Specifically, we describe the methods of randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial which includes a 4-week course of megestrol, the only medication used in the iKanEat protocol, to determine whether the addition of megestrol results in improved child outcomes. The primary and secondary aims are to assess the safety and efficacy of megestrol as part of the iKanEat protocol. The third aim is to provide critical information about the impact of the transition from tube to oral feeding on parent stress and parent and child quality of life.

Discussion
This trial will provide data regarding whether megestrol is a safe and effective component of the iKanEat tube weaning protocol, as well as important data on how the tube weaning process impacts parent stress and parent and child quality of life.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT#03815019. Registered on January 17, 2019
Colorimetric LPMO assay with direct implication for cellulolytic activity
Authors: Brander Søren , Lausten Stine , Ipsen Johan Ø. , Falkenberg Kristoffer B. , Bertelsen Andreas B. , Nørholm Morten H. H. , Østergaard Lars H. , Johansen Katja S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are important industrial enzymes known for their catalytic degradation of recalcitrant polymers such as cellulose or chitin. Their activity can be measured by lengthy HPLC methods, while high-throughput methods are less specific. A fast and specific LPMO assay would simplify screening for new or engineered LPMOs and accelerate biochemical characterization.

Results
A novel LPMO activity assay was developed based on the production of the dye phenolphthalein (PHP) from its reduced counterpart (rPHP). The colour response of rPHP oxidisation catalysed by the cellulose-specific LPMO from Thermoascus aurantiacus (TaAA9A), was found to increase tenfold by adding dehydroascorbate (DHA) as a co-substrate. The assay using a combination of rPHP and DHA was tested on 12 different metallo-enzymes, but only the LPMOs catalysed this reaction. The assay was optimized for characterization of TaAA9A and showed a sensitivity of 15 nM after 30 min incubation. It followed apparent Michaelis–Menten kinetics with kcat = 0.09 s−1 and KM = 244 µM, and the assay was used to confirm stoichiometric copper–enzyme binding and enzyme unfolding at a temperature of approximately 60 °C. DHA, glutathione and fructose were found to enhance LPMO oxidation of rPHP and in the optimized assay conditions these co-substrates also enabled cellulose degradation.

Conclusions
This novel and specific LPMO assay can be carried out in a convenient microtiter plate format ready for high-throughput screening and enzyme characterization. DHA was the best co-substrate tested for oxidation of rPHP and this preference appears to be LPMO-specific. The identified co-substrates DHA and fructose are not normally considered as LPMO co-substrates but here they are shown to facilitate both oxidation of rPHP and degradation of cellulose. This is a rare example of a finding from a high-throughput assay that directly translate into enzyme activity on an insoluble substrate. The rPHP-based assay thus expands our understanding of LPMO catalysed reactions and has the potential to characterize LPMO activity in industrial settings, where usual co-substrates such as ascorbate and oxygen are depleted.
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase blaCTX-M-1 group in gram-negative bacteria colonizing patients admitted at Mazimbu hospital and Morogoro Regional hospital in Morogoro, Tanzania
Authors: Moremi Nyambura , Silago Vitus , Mselewa Erick G. , Chifwaguzi Ashery P. , Mirambo Mariam M. , Mushi Martha F. , Matemba Lucas , Seni Jeremiah , Mshana Stephen E. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective
The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of extended spectrum β-lactamase producing gram-negative bacteria (ESBL-GNB) colonizing patients admitted at Mazimbu hospital and Morogoro Regional hospital, in Morogoro, Tanzania. Rectal colonization with ESBL-GNB increases the risks of developing bacterial infections by extra-intestinal pathogenic ESBL-GNB.

Results
Of the 285 patients investigated, 123 (43.2%) carried ESBL-GNB in their intestines. Five of the 123 ESBL positive patients were colonized with two different bacteria, making a total of 128 ESBL producing isolates. Escherichia coli (n = 95, 74.2%) formed the majority of ESBL isolates. The proportion of CTX-M-1 group genes among ESBL isolates tested was 94.9% (93/98). History of antibiotic use (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.1–3.2, P = 0.03), being on antibiotic treatment (OR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.5–4.53, P = 0.001), duration of hospital stay (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.3, P < 0.001) and history of previous admission (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.2–4.1, P = 0.009) independently predicted ESBL-GNB carriage.
Osthole enhances the bone mass of senile osteoporosis and stimulates the expression of osteoprotegerin by activating β-catenin signaling
Authors: Jin Zhen-Xiong , Liao Xin-Yuan , Da Wei-Wei , Zhao Yong-Jian , Li Xiao-Feng , Tang De-Zhi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Osthole has a potential therapeutic application for anti-osteoporosis. The present study verified whether osthole downregulates osteoclastogenesis via targeting OPG.

Methods
In vivo, 12-month-old male mice were utilized to evaluate the effect of osthole on bone mass. In vitro, bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated and extracted from 3-month-old OPG−/− mice and the littermates of OPG+/+ mice. Calvaria osteoblasts were extracted from 3-day-old C57BL/6J mice or 3-day-old OPG−/− mice and the littermates of OPG+/+ mice.

Results
Osthole significantly increased the gene and protein levels of OPG in primary BMSCs in a dose-dependent manner. The deletion of the OPG gene did not affect β-catenin expression. The deletion of the β-catenin gene inhibited OPG expression in BMSCs, indicating that osthole stimulates the expression of OPG via activation of β-catenin signaling.

Conclusion
Osthole attenuates osteoclast formation by stimulating the activation of β-catenin-OPG signaling and could be a potential drug for the senile osteoporosis.
Taxonomy, virulence determinants and antimicrobial susceptibility of Aeromonas spp. isolated from bacteremia in southeastern China
Authors: Sun Yao , Zhao Yajie , Xu Wenya , Fang Renchi , Wu Qing , He Haokuang , Xu Chunquan , Zhou Cui , Cao Jianming , Chen Lijiang , Zhou Tieli 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The study aimed to elucidate the species taxonomy, clinical manifestations, virulence gene profiles and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Aeromonas strains isolated from life-threatening bacteremia in southeastern China.

Methods
Clinical samples of Aeromonas causing bacteremia were isolated from a teaching hospital in Wenzhou from 2013 to 2018 and a retrospective cohort study was performed. Aeromonas strains were identified at species level by housekeeping gene gyrB. Virulence and drug resistance-associated genes were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed by the VITEK 2 Compact system.

Results
A total of 58 Aeromonas isolated from patients with bacteremia were collected during 6 years (2013–2018). 58 isolates were identified to five different species, where Aeromonas dhakensis appeared to be the predominant species (26/58), followed by Aeromonas veronii (13/58), Aeromonas caviae (10/58), Aeromonas hydrophila (7/58) and Aeromonas jandaei (2/58). 16 of 58 patients had poor prognosis. Poor prognosis was significantly associated with liver cirrhosis and inappropriate empirical antimicrobials therapy. The progression of bacteremia caused by Aeromonas was extremely fast, especially in A. dhakensis infections. Virulence genes aer, lip, hlyA, alt, ast, and act, were detected at ratios of 24.1% (14/58), 62.1% (36/58), 65.5% (38/58), 58.6% (34/58), 15.5% (9/58) and 65.5% (38/58), respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing exhibited that 9 out of 58 isolates were identified as multi-drug resistant (MDR) organism. The blaTEM gene was identified in all 9 MDR isolates. blaSHV, blaAQU-1, blaMOX, blaCepH, blaCphA and aac(6′)-Ib-cr were detected in 4 isolates, 2 isolates, 1 isolate, 3 isolates, 8 isolates, and 3 isolates, respectively. The majority of Aeromonas strains maintained susceptible to 3rd generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and furantoin.

Conclusions
The prevalence and dangerousness of Aeromonas infections, especially A. dhakensis, are underestimated in clinic. Continuous monitoring is essential to keep track of MDR Aeromonas due to the increasing prevalence recently and a more effective measure is required to control the spread of resistance determinants.
Effect of wood biomass components on self-heating
Authors: Miyawaki Nozomi , Fukushima Takashi , Mizuno Takafumi , Inoue Miyao , Takisawa Kenji 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBiomass may ignite due to biological oxidation and chemical oxidation. If this phenomenon (spontaneous ignition) is controlled, it would be possible to produce biochar at a lower cost without the need for an external heat resource. We investigated if self-heating could be controlled by using sawdust and bark chips. When sawdust and bark chips were used under controlled conditions, the bark chips temperature increased to the torrefaction temperature. The ash content of bark chips was ~ 2%d.b. higher than that of sawdust; consequently, the inorganic substances contained in the bark chips might affect the self-heating. Self-heating was suppressed when inorganic substances were removed by washing with water. Therefore, the inorganic substances in the biomass might have affected self-heating. The inorganic element contents of the bark chips were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry before and after washing. The potassium content of the bark chips was reduced remarkably by washing, and there was a possible influence of potassium on self-heating. Finally, the effect of moisture content on self-heating was investigated to obtain stable reactivity. Thus, at a moisture content of 40%w.b., a steady self-heating behavior may be realized.
Post-myocardial infarction left ventricular septal dissecting aneurysm: a case report
Authors: Kamikawa Yuji , Ohashi Takeki , Tadakoshi Masao , Kojima Akinori , Yamauchi Hirotaka , Hioki Kaoru , Hishikawa Takanori , Kageyama Souichirou 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Post-infarction perforation of the ventricular septum is recognized as a major complication of post-myocardial infarction. However, post-infarction ventricle dissection is seldom reported, as the ventricular shunt often accompanying this condition is a significant cause of cardiogenic shock. We encountered a rare case of ventricular dissection unaccompanied by a shunt, which caused a state of shock.

Case presentation
A 67-year-old man was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction with a left ventricular oozing rupture. The occlusion of the left anterior descending artery was aspirated, followed by drainage of the pericardial bleeding and hemostasis of the left ventricle. After 15 h, he presented with sudden cardiogenic shock requiring extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation. The transesophageal echocardiogram showed a left ventricular septal aneurysm. Five days later, he underwent an operation, in which a ventricular septal wall dissection with a tear-forming large pseudoaneurysm was found. The tear was closed with a patch. He was weaned off extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation the next day. Αfter 4 months, he was discharged in a stable condition.

Conclusions
Recognizing and identifying the cause of cardiogenic shock after myocardial infarction is crucial to provide the best treatment and surgical approach. Ventricular septal dissection should be considered, in addition to the usual complications, such as possible papillary muscle rupture, cardiac rupture, and perforation of the interventricular septum.
Rotation of bits: a classical and quantum perspective
Authors: Nimbe Peter , Weyori Benjamin Asubam , Adekoya Adebayo Felix 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBit rotation is an operation similar to shift except that the bits that fall off at one end are put back to the other end. In left rotation, the bits that fall off at left end are put back at right end. In right rotation, the bits that fall off at the right end are put back at the left end. Applications of bit rotation include; registers, cryptography, computing with a single bit string circularly shifted to the right or left based on some position but no work has been done with respect to shifting the bits one position at a time generating emergent bit strings equal to the number of bits-1 from the incident bit string, and then recombining or extracting bit(s) from each of the bit strings or words to form back the incident bit string. In this article, the authors present a new approach of rotating classical bit strings known as CRotate. A quantum approach to bit rotation known as QRotate is presented as well. The quantum perspective uses the concept of bit swapping by avenue of the quantum swap gate in jsqubits. Models and algorithms are duly presented.
Characteristics of chest high resolution computed tomography images of COVID-19: A retrospective study of 46 patients
Authors: Lu Yibo , Zhou Jingru , Mo Yimei , Song Shulin , Wei Xue , Ding Ke 
Published: February 2021

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of chest high resolution computed tomography (CT) images of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods: This is a retrospective study analyzing the clinical records and chest high-resolution CT images of 46 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 by nucleic acid tests and treated at our hospitals between January 2020 and February 2020.
Results: Abnormalities in the CT images were found in 44 patients (95.6%). The lesions were unilateral in eight patients (17.4%), bilateral in 36 patients (78.3%), single in seven patients (15.9%), and multiple in 37 patients (84.1%). The morphology of the lesions was scattered opacity in 10 patients (21.7%), patchy opacity in 38 patients (82.6%), fibrotic cord in 17 patients (37.0%), and wedge-shaped opacity in two patients (4.3%). The lesions can be classified as ground-glass opacity in eight patients (17.4%), consolidation in one patient (2.2%), and ground-glass opacity plus consolidation in 28 patients (60.9%).
Conclusion: Most COVID-19 patients showed abnormalities in chest CT images and the most common findings were ground-glass opacity plus consolidation.
Abbreviations:COVID-19: coronavirus disease 2019, CT: computed tomography,SARS-CoV-2: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, RNA: ribonucleic acid.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3504
How to cite this:Lu Y, Zhou J, Mo Y, Song S, Wei X, Ding K. Characteristics of Chest high resolution computed tomography images of COVID-19: A retrospective study of 46 patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):840-845. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3504
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Association analysis of 374T/A (rs1800624) receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) gene polymorphism with diabetic retinopathy in Pakistani patients
Authors: Qayyum Shazia , Afzal Muhammad , Naveed Abdul Khaliq 
Published: February 2021

Objectives: to determine the relationship of 374T/A (rs1800624) polymorphism in the gene encoding RAGE with Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and serum soluble RAGE (sRAGE) level in Pakistani patients.
Methods: A case-control study, conducted from January 2017 to December 2018, involving 150 healthy controls (HC), 150 T2DM patients with no retinopathy (DNR) and 150 DR patients diagnosed by coloured fundus photography. Tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system – polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) was used for genotyping. Serum sRAGE levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELIZA).
Results: The frequency of TT, TA and AA genotypes of rs1800624 polymorphism were: 92.7%, 6%, 1.3% in HC, 80%, 17.3%, 2.7% in DNR and 76.7%, 19.3%, 4.3% in DR groups. Heterozygous TA genotype and mutant A allele showed significant association with diabetes and DR vs HC. In dominant model, mutant allele showed significant association with DNR and DR vs HC. No significant association of rs1800624 was detected with DR and its sub-groups, non-proliferative DR (NPDR) and proliferative DR (PDR) vs DNR. Dividing NPDR into mild, moderate and severe, heterozygous TA genotype showed significant association with moderate and severe NPDR vs DNR. In DNR and DR groups, TA genotype was significantly associated with raised sRAGE.
Conclusion: rs1800624 RAGE gene polymorphism might be a risk factor for T2DM and NPDR in Pakistani patients. Raised sRAGE levels have a positive correlation with PDR and are associated with heterozygosity of rs1800624 polymorphism in DNR and DR groups.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3670
How to cite this:Qayyum S, Afzal M, Naveed AK. Association analysis of 374T/A (rs1800624) receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) gene polymorphism with diabetic retinopathy in Pakistani patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):733-739. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3670
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Implementation and evaluation of a palliative and end-of-life care peer-learning initiative
Authors: Buono Michelle 
Published: February 2021

Background: Palliative and end-of-life care skills for nurses in acute care are dependent on the level of training received. Hospices are seen as fountains of knowledge in end-of-life and complex care issues. Aim: This study evaluated peer learning between registered nurses (RNs) at West Suffolk Foundation Trust and St Nicholas Hospice Care. Six acute and six hospice nurses spent 1 week each, over a 6-month period, shadowing in the opposite of their usual acute or hospice setting. Method: The study used an action research approach. Reflective diaries, questionnaires and evaluation forms provided feedback, giving nursing practice perspectives on learning gained during the shadowing process. Findings: Key features were improved knowledge in medications for symptom management in end of life; understanding holistic assessments to enhance patient care; key competencies completed. Conclusion: This study led to the development of the West Suffolk Foundation Trust 2-day shadowing model offering access to end-of-life care learning.
Optical flow sensor based on the thermal time-of-flight measurement
Authors: Hribar Jernej , Donlagic Denis 
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a dielectric, all-optical thermal time-of-flight fluid flow velocity sensor. The proposed sensor utilizes a sequence of three short sections of optical fibers, which are positioned in a direction perpendicular to the measured fluid flow. One of these three fiber sections is highly doped with vanadium and acts as an optically controlled heater, while the other two fiber sections contain fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) that act as dynamic temperature sensors. The vanadium-doped fiber is heated periodically by a laser source, while observing temperature variations within the fluid flow downstream by the two fiber sections with inscribed Bragg gratings. The time delay in temperature variations recorded at both FBG sensors correlates directly with the flow rate of the fluid. When the sensor was placed within the glass capillary with inner diameter of 650 µm, it enabled a flow rate measurement range between 1 ml/h and 1200 ml/h. The sensor thus provides a broad flow-rate dynamic range and is insensitive to changes in losses in the lead optical fibers or optical heating source power fluctuations. Furthermore, the thermal properties of the measured liquid, for example, the liquid’s thermal conductivity and heat capacity, have mostly limited effects on the measurement results, which allows for thermal-principle-based flow velocity measurements in cases of liquids with variable or poorly defined compositions.
Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Common Bile Duct Associated With von Hippel-Lindau Disease
Authors: Romero-Velez Gustavo , Pereira Xavier , Yang Julie , Panarelli Nicole C. , McAuliffe John C. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
We report a case of a common bile duct neuroendocrine tumor discovered in a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease to emphasize the importance of recognizing this unusual diagnosis. This case illustrates the importance of endoscopic evaluation and the potential diagnostic pitfalls which may impact its appropriate management: the anatomic proximity of more common von Hippel-Lindau disease–related tumors, pathologic evaluation, and staging. Therefore, awareness of this rare diagnosis is important for appropriate treatment.
Multifocal Nodular Fatty Infiltration of the Liver: A Rare Benign Disorder That Mimics Metastatic Liver Disease
Authors: Dreifuss Nicolas H. , Ramallo Dario , McCormack Lucas 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Fatty liver disease is a frequent diagnosis. Rarely, it adopts a multifocal nodular pattern mimicking multiple liver metastases. Multifocal nodular fatty infiltration of the liver entails a challenging problem that must be included as a differential diagnosis when dealing with healthy patients with an incidental finding of multiple liver lesions, even in the absence of obesity or metabolic syndrome. A complete clinical examination and high-quality imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging, might help to confirm diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary liver biopsies.
Insulinoma: A Recurrent Pancreatic Tumor Amendable to Computed Tomography–Guided Ethanol-Lipiodol Injection
Authors: Zaver Himesh B. , Alnahhal Khaled I. , Ghoz Hassan , Paz-Fumagalli Ricardo , Raimondo Massimo , Lukens Frank J. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Insulinomas are rare, with an annual incidence of 1–4 people per mission. Insulinomas are the most common functioning endocrine neoplams of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound has both diagnostic and therapeutic yield in undifferentiated pancreatic tumors. We present a case of a recurrent insulinoma, refractory to surgical and medical management diagnosed with endoscopic ultrasound. Our case uniquely conveys a successful, alternative approach to addressing symptomatic insulinomas refractory to surgical or medical management through computed tomography–guided percutaneous ethanol-lipiodol injection.