bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation relieves idiopathic persistent hiccups: A preliminary study of case report
Authors: Cai Weisen , Xu Guangqing , Tian Zongguang , Xiong Feng , Yang Jiajing , Wang Tong
Published: October 2022

Objective:

We postulated that repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) might treat idiopathic persistent hiccups. This study aimed to determine the clinical effect of rPMS on hiccup alleviation.

Methods:

Seven patients with idiopathic persistent hiccups experienced the cervical rPMS session (1 Hz, 656 stimuli) in this prospective clinical series from November 2018 to May 2021. The rPMS session was applied once daily until the hiccups were utterly relieved. During the treatment, the round coil was transversally positioned over the upper nape area, and the center of the coil was placed at the level of the C4 vertebrae. The subjective assessment scale (SAS) scores and the hiccup frequency were assessed before and after rPMS treatment.

Results:

A total of 7 patients were enrolled. All were male post-stroke patients ([mean ± SD] age, 58.5 ± 9.85 years) with dysphasia, 3 patients (3/7) were fed with a nasogastric tube, and 4 patients (4/7) were with dysarthria. The mean duration of hiccups was 4.14 ± 3.63 days (range 2–12 days). The rPMS therapy eliminated hiccups in all 7 patients. The mean sessions which stopped hiccupping were 3.43 ± 2.57 (range 1–9). The mean value of the SAS scores before rPMS therapy was 7 ± 1 (range 6–8), and it was decreased to zero after the therapy (0). No recurrence of hiccups was observed within 2 weeks of the last rPMS session. rPMS therapies were not associated with severe adverse effects.

Conclusion:

The cervical rPMS therapy is beneficial in treating idiopathic persistent hiccups, particularly in post-stroke patients.
Role of ultrasound-guided technique in the treatment of gynecologic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xuan Min , Wu Chunyan , Zhang Jing , Zhou Fengsheng
Published: October 2022

Background:

The efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided interventional procedures for gynecologic diseases have not been evaluated comprehensively. Therefore, we aimed to provide an evidence-based medical reference for clinical treatment in this meta-analysis.

Methods:

The literature searches were conducted in databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for eligible studies published from 2002 to May 2022. All literature was searched, screened, and reviewed by 2 researchers separately. RevMan 5.3.0 was used to analyze the relevant data.

Results:

A total of 12 articles consisting of 2854 patients were included. Compared with the control group, meta-analysis showed that ultrasound-guided technique in the experimental group was associated with a higher effective rate [risk ratio = 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.84, 0.84)], a lower probability of recurrence [odds ratio = 0.13, 95% CI (0.13, 0.13), P < .00001], and a greater effective reintervention rate [odds ratio = 3.39, 95% CI (1.29, 8.86), P = .01]. However, it was not significantly associated with fewer adverse reactions.

Conclusions:

Ultrasound-guided technique in treating gynecologic diseases exerted a positive effect and had fewer adverse reactions, which could be popularized and applied in clinical practice.
CT imaging features regarding ground-glass nodules and solid lesions reflect prognostication of synchronous multiple lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kou Jieli , Gu Xiaofei , Yu Yang , Zheng Shugang
Published: October 2022

The prognosis of synchronous multiple lung adenocarcinoma (SMLA) dramatically differs due to its nature of multiple primaries or intrapulmonary metastases. This study aimed to assess computed tomography (CT)-reflected SMLA features regarding ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and solid lesions and their correlation with prognostication. One seventy eight SMLA patients who underwent surgical resection were reviewed. According to preoperative CT features, patients were categorized as: multiple GGN (MG) group: MGs without solid lesions; solid plus GGN (SPG) group: one solid lesion and at least one GGN; multiple solid (MS) group: MS lesions, with or without GGNs. Clinical characteristics, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were retrieved. Largest tumor size (P < .001) and lymph-node metastasis prevalence (P < .001) were different among three groups, which were highest in the MS group, followed by the SPG group, and lowest in the MG group. Besides, the dominant tumor subtype also varied among the three groups (P < .001), while no difference in other clinical characteristics was discovered. DFS was more deteriorative in the MS group compared to the SPG group (P = .017) and MG group (P < .001), while of no difference between the SPG group and MG group (P = .128). Meanwhile, OS exhibited similar treads among the three groups. Besides, after multivariate Cox analyses adjustment, MS versus MG independently correlated with DFS (P = .030) and OS (P = .027), but SPG versus MG did not. In conclusion, preoperative CT-imaging MS lesions reflect advanced disease features and poor prognosis compared to MG and solid lesion plus GGN in SMLA patients who underwent surgical resection.
Disseminated cryptococcosis mimicking malignant lymphoma on 18F-FDG PET/CT: A case report
Authors: Zhang Xinchao , Hu Yujing , Tian Congna , Wei Qiang , Bian Yanzhu
Published: October 2022

Rationale:

Disseminated cryptococcosis is extremely rare and is easily misdiagnosed as a malignant lymphoma. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/ computed tomography (CT) may be useful to assess the involvement of disseminated cryptococcosis and to evaluate residual disease after treatment.

Patient Concerns:

A 21-years-old man presented with fever and cough for a month, with multiple red nodules scattered on the skin. 18F- Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT revealed multiple hypermetabolic lymph nodes in the upper and lower parts of the diaphragmatic region and hypermetabolic nodules in the skin. According to the PET/CT results, malignant lymphoma was considered a possibility, especially T-cell lymphoma involving the skin.

Diagnosis:

Cryptococcosis was diagnosed using inguinal lymph node biopsy and blood culture.

Interventions:

The patient received two months of amphotericin B, fluconazole, and half a month of meropenem.

Outcomes:

The patient’s body temperature returned to normal and the red nodules on the skin disappeared. Most of the hypermetabolic enlarged lymph nodes disappeared, which was confirmed by reexamination with PET/CT.

Lessons:

Disseminated cryptococcosis is easily misdiagnosed as malignant lymphoma, especially when the lymph nodes are more involved. When multiple hypermetabolic enlarged lymph nodes appear on PET/CT, except for lymphoma, specific infections should also be considered.
Evaluation of 4-hand reduction for obturator hernia with the guidance of sonography as a new treatment strategy: A retrospective study
Authors: Togawa Yuki , Kamihata Kyohei , Nagahisa Yoshio , Kawamoto Kazuyuki
Published: October 2022

To evaluate the effectiveness of 4-hand reduction for obturator hernia with the guidance of sonography (FROGS) as a new treatment strategy for obturator hernia. Since November 2019, FROGS was performed for all patients with obturator hernia at our emergency department. We retrospectively compared the clinical data of 20 patients who underwent FROGS (after FROGS group) to those of 23 patients who did not (before FROGS group). All patients except one were female. The male-to-female ratio, age, duration of symptoms, lesion site, and predisposing factors did not significantly differ between groups. However, the diameter of the prolapsed bowel and the body mass index of the after FROGS group were significantly larger and lower, respectively. Manual reduction was successfully performed for all 20 patients in the after FROGS group, and bowel resection was avoided for all 20 cases. However, 14 patients in the before FROGS group underwent manual reduction; of these, only one was successfully treated using a method other than FROGS, and 8 patients underwent bowel resection. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of postprocedural complications or mortality within 30 days of hernia presentation. The FROGS technique was safe and reproducible and could be used as the first choice of treatment for patients with obturator hernia.
Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with SOD1-mutant: A case report
Authors: Luo Zhong , Zhang Linhai , Yang Juan , Zhang Haiqing , Liang Tao
Published: October 2022

Rationale:

Hereditary motor-sensory peripheral neuropathy, or Charot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is an inherited peripheral neuropathy characterized by progressive limb weakness and muscle atrophy. As the disease progresses, sensory and autonomic involvement may occur. We report a case of CMT associated with SOD1 gene mutation, in order to provide new ideas for clinical disease diagnosis.

Patient concerns:

A 50-years-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with “progressive weakness of the right lower extremity for 5 years, aggravating, and weakness of the left lower extremity for 4 months”.

Diagnosis:

The patient was diagnosed CMT.

Intervention:

Nerve nutrition and rehabilitation therapy were given, but the patient’s condition still did not improve significantly.

Outcomes:

The improvement of symptoms was not obvious.

Lessons:

The clinical manifestations and electromyography results of this patient are consistent with the characteristics of CMT. The peripheral nerve-related hereditary gene test found mutation in SOD1. It is possible that this mutation is linked to CMT. The disease is a neurodegenerative disease, that may be slowed by physical therapy and rehabilitation, but could not be healed.
Network exploration of gene signatures underlying low birth weight induced metabolic alterations
Authors: Zhou Fei , Cheng Tiantian , Xing Yuling , Ma Huijuan , Yang Linlin
Published: October 2022

Background:

This study explored underlying gene signatures of low birth weight (LBW) by analyzing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LBW and normal birth weight (NBW) subjects.

Methods:

Subjects with different birth weight was collected from GEO database. P < .05 and | logFC | ≥ 1.0 were used for screening DEGs. David (2021 Update) was used to perform GO annotation and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction network of DEGs was constructed using the STRING database, in which hub genes were mined through Cytoscape software.

Results:

A total of 326 DEGs were identified, including 287 up-regulated genes and 39 down-regulated genes. The GO biological processes enriched by DEGs mainly involved epidermal growth, keratinization and intermediate fibrous tissue. The DEGs were significantly enriched in intracellular insoluble membranes, desmosomes and extracellular space. Their molecular functions mainly focused on structural molecular activity, structural components of epidermis and structural components of cytoskeleton. PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and tight junction were highlighted as critical pathways enriched by DEGs. Ten hub genes which included KRT14, EGF, DSP, DSG1, KRT16, KRT6A, EPCAM, SPRR1B, PKP1, and PPL were identified from the constructed protein-protein interaction network.

Conclusion:

A total of 326 DEGs and 10 hub genes were identified as candidates for metabolic disorders in LBW individuals. Our results indicated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as an intrauterine adaptive mechanism for LBW individuals. We observed activated PI3K/AKT pathway in LBW individuals, which would promote growth and development at the early stage of life, but adversely introduce extra metabolic stress and thereby potentially induce metabolic disorders in adulthood.
Clinical application of bronchial high-frequency ventilation in 2-port thoracoscopic segmentectomy
Authors: Li Bing , Zou Zhiqiang , Zhang Wei , Bian Hongchun , Li Yucai
Published: October 2022

To evaluate the safety and clinical application of a computer-aided surgery system (CAS) combined with high-frequency bronchial ventilation in 2-port thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy. A total of 301 patients who underwent 2-port thoracoscopic segmentectomy between January 1, 2019 and March 1, 2022 in the 960th Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army and the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Zibo Municipal Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The experimental and control groups were created according to the different methods of appearing the intersegmental plane of the lung. The experimental group comprised 152 patients who underwent CAS reconstruction combined with high-frequency ventilation, and the control group comprised 149 patients who underwent CAS reconstruction combined with expansion collapse. The characteristics of the patients, including age, sex, smoking history, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity, Maximal ventilation, diameter of pulmonary nodules, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, drainage tube removal time, length of hospital stay after extubation, postoperative complication rate, operation time and appearance time of the intersegmental plane, were compared between the 2 groups. All patients completed the operation between high-frequency bronchial ventilation and expansion collapse group. There was no significant difference in Forced expiratory volume in 1 second/Forced vital capacity [(101.05 ± 11.86) vs (101.86 ± 11.61)], maximum expiratory volume [(86.36 ± 17.59 L) vs (85.28 ± 17.68 L)], the diameter of lung nodules [(13.61 ± 3.51 cm) vs (13.21 ± 3.41 cm)], intraoperative blood loss [(47.50 ± 45.90 mL) vs (48.49 ± 34.65 mL)], postoperative drainage volume [(425.16 ± 221.61 mL) vs (444.70 ± 243.72 mL)], drainage tube removal time [(3.88 ± 1.85 days) vs (3.43 ± 1.81 days)], or postoperative hospital stay [(6.07 ± 2.14 days) vs (5.82 ± 1.88 days) between the experimental group and the control group (P > .05)]. There were significant differences in operation time [(95.05 ± 26.85 min) vs (117.85 ± 31.70 min), P = .017] and intersegmental plane appearance time [(2.37 ± 1.03 min) vs (14.20 ± 3.23 min), P < .001]. High-frequency bronchial ventilation is safe and feasible when used in quickly and accurately identifying the intersegmental plane and is worthy of clinical application in 2-port thoracoscopic segmentectomy.
Successful use of minimal invasive debridement plus negative pressure wound therapy under skin flap and axillary region for refractory postmastectomy seroma: A STROBE-compliant retrospective study
Authors: Esen Ebru , Saydam Mehmet , Guler Sumeyra , Akinci Melih , Bahcecioglu Ibrahim Burak , Gulcelik Mehmet Ali , Yilmaz Kerim Bora
Published: October 2022

Seroma is the most common wound complication due to dead space remaining after mastectomy and axillary dissection. Seroma formation, which causes pain and tension, together with the limitations of shoulder and arm movements, can cause wound healing problems that can progress to wound dehiscence and flap necrosis. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of continuous drainage and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in breast cancer patients with refractory postmastectomy seroma. This retrospectively designed study was conducted with 27 patients who were referred to our center between 2018 and 2021 due to refractory seroma after mastectomy. The inclusion criteria of the study were the cases who were planned minimally invasive debridement and NPWT due to having refractory seroma formation with at least 200 cc and having interventions more than 1 month after modified radical mastectomy (MRM), despite conventional treatment methods. All patients’ demographics, disease stage, history of possible neoadjuvant therapy, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), number of wound dressings with NPWT, and total amount of NPWT accumulation were enrolled and compared statistically. Twenty-seven patients included in the study underwent continuous drainage after debridement, and 5 (3–9) dressings were treated with NPWT. None of the patients experienced complications after debridement and NPWT administration. In refractory seroma cases seen after postmastectomy, NPWT especially for the management of debridement and dead space can be evaluated as an appropriate treatment method in patients with high flow rate seroma.
Comparison of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Schizophrenia With Comorbid Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Terms of Insight, Metacognitive Beliefs, and Clinical Features
Authors: Şenay Olcay , Tükel Raşit
Published: October 2022

The aim was to compare insight levels into obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS), and metacognitions of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and with schizophrenia with comorbid OCD (SZ-OCD). Thirty OCD patients and 30 SZ-OCD patients were evaluated; no significant difference was found between the groups in the Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale (BABS) and the Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30). When all patients were divided into two groups regardless of the presence or absence of schizophrenia as “good insight” and “poor or no insight,” the MCQ-30 total score was found to be higher in the “poor or no insight” group and showed a significant but moderate positive correlation with the BABS score. This study supports that the level of insight into OCS in SZ-OCD is not significantly different from patients with OCD. Metacognitions differ not according to the distinction between OCD and SZ-OCD but according to the level of insight in whole OCD sample.
Dual Expression of Immunoglobulin Light Chains in Plasma Cell Myeloma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Suresh Janarthanee , Wu Yue , Sabaratnam Rathi , Brijlall Shashi , Kyle Barry , Torlakovic Emina E.
Published: October 2022

Typically, myeloma cells express a monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig), either heavy or light chain. Here, we present a case of multiple myeloma with clonal dual expression of kappa and lambda light chain in a 74-year-old woman. Awareness of rare biphenotypic myeloma is important for proper diagnostic workup. A 74-year-old woman underwent hip replacement with an incidental finding of 20% plasma cells in the femoral head. Subsequent bone marrow biopsy also showed about 30% of plasma cells negative for CD20, CD56, and CD117. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization studies showed a mixture of kappa and lambda plasma cells. Flow cytometry showed ambiguous results for cytoplasmic Ig light chains kappa and lambda. However, cyclin D1 was highly expressed by plasma cells, and increased free kappa light chains were identified in serum. Further investigation by double IHC demonstrated co-expression of kappa and lambda light chains in the same cells. Fluoresces in situ hybridization studies were positive for t(11;14)(q13;q32) and the deletion 13q. Since its first description by Taylor and Burns in 1974, the demonstration of restricted cytoplasmic Ig light chain expression by immunohistochemistry is 1 of the basic tools for corroborating clonality of the plasma cells in tissue biopsy. IHC results in myeloma with dual expression of Ig light chains may suggest polyclonal plasma cell population, especially when plasma cells do not form sheets in the bone marrow. In an appropriate clinical setting, other investigations are needed to exclude plasma cell neoplasm, even with seemingly “polytypic” results by IHC.
Evaluation of a Novel Point-of-Care Ultrasound Curriculum for First-Year Pediatric Residents
Authors: Hulse Whitley N. , Bell Colin R. , Roosevelt Genie E. , Sabbadini Linda , Germano Rocco , Hopkins Emily , Kendall John , Toney Amanda G.
Published: October 2022

Objective

The aim of the study is to evaluate a novel point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) educational curriculum for pediatric residents.

Methods

The cohort study in graduate medical education was completed from January 2017 to March 2019. Postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pediatric residents attended the educational curriculum that consisted of 3 half-day sessions over a 3-month period. Each session consisted of a lecture (introduction, extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma, soft tissue/musculoskeletal, cardiac, and resuscitative applications) followed by supervised hands-on scanning sessions. Group ratio was 3 learners to 1 machine/expert instructor. Main outcome measures included pre– and post–written test scores, as well as objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) scores.

Results

Forty-nine PGY1 residents (78% women) completed the curriculum. The mean (SD) pretest score was 68% (8.5), and the mean posttest score was 83% (8.3) with a difference of 15 (95% confidence interval, 12.5–17.6; P < 0.001). Mean (SD) focused assessment with sonography for trauma OSCE score after the curriculum was 88.7% (11.9). The number of PGY1 pediatric residents that were comfortable performing POCUS examinations increased from pretraining to posttraining for soft tissue/musculoskeletal (14%–61%, P < 0.001), extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (24%–90%, P < 0.001), and cardiac (18%–86%, P < 0.001). All participants found the curriculum useful, and 42 of 49 (86%) stated the curriculum increased their ability to acquire and interpret images.

Conclusions

Postgraduate year 1 pediatric residents learned the basics of POCUS through 3 brief educational sessions. The increase in posttest scores demonstrated improved POCUS knowledge, and the high OSCE score demonstrated their ability to acquire ultrasound images. Point-of-care ultrasound guidelines are needed for pediatric residency programs.
A Systematic Review of Primary Rhinoplasty in Patients With Bilateral Cleft Lip
Authors: Di Chiaro Bianca , Santiago Gaia , Santiago Chiara , Zelko Ian , Choudhary Akriti , Purnell Chad A.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Primary rhinoplasty (PR)at the time of cleft lip repair is controversial. We previously performed a systematic review that supported PR during unilateral cleft lip repair. We now aim to determine whether the same idea translates to care of patients with bilateral cleft lip.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement guidelines. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for studies that met our inclusion criteria: (1) English language, (2) human subjects, (3) rhinoplasty at the time of bilateral cleft lip repair, and (4) evaluation of nasal outcome. Studies were excluded in case of: (1) inclusion of a large proportion of syndromic patients, (2) case reports, (3) editorials, (4) letters, (5) reviews, and (6) exclusive to unilateral clefts. Out of 281 studies that showed up on initial search, 12 were included in our review. Research quality and level of evidence rating were determined for each study.

Results:

Of the 12 included studies, 9 supported PR at the time of bilateral cleft lip repair; 8 studies evaluated nasal growth and found no restriction over time; 4 studies followed 158 patients to an average of 15 years and showed 77% did not need secondary rhinoplasty.

Conclusion:

Although the available literature supports PR in patients with bilateral cleft lip with respect to subjective and objective outcomes, nasal growth, and reducing the need for secondary/revision rhinoplasty, there are significant limitations, necessitating large volume studies.
Can Frailty Indices Predict Surgical Risk in Open Reduction and Fixation of Facial Fractures?
Authors: Katz Abigail , Alerte Eric , Akhavan Arya , Kuruvilla Annet , Ibelli Taylor , Liu Helen , Etigunta Suhas , Taub Peter J.
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

The present study sought to evaluate whether the mFI-5 and modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI) are stronger predictors of 30-day postoperative complications after open reduction of facial fractures compared with historic risk proxies.

Methods:

A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was conducted to investigate patients who underwent open reduction facial fracture surgery between 2013 and 2018. Risk factors including age, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class were extracted for each patient. The mFI-5 score and mCCI score were calculated based on this data. Univariate logistic regressions were performed (P<0.05)

Results:

A total of 2667 cases were included. Of these, 2131 (80%) were male. The strongest predictors for overall 30-day complications and complication severity were ASA class ≥3 (Odds Ratio [OR]=3.34), comorbidities ≥2 (OR=2.78), mCCl score ≥2 (OR=2.19), and mFI-5 ≥1 (OR=1.96). Smoking status and BMI were not strong predictors of total complications or complication severity. Age was found to be a statically significant, but low-impact, predictor of complications, and severity (OR=1.02, P<0.001). The only significant predictors of surgical site infections (SSI) were smoking status (OR=1.56) and ASA class ≥3 (OR=2.40). mFI-5 ≥1 was a significant predictor of hospital readmission. BMI was not associated with any increased risk.

Conclusions:

The mCCI and mFI-5 are statistically significant predictors of total complications and complication severity in open reduction of facial fracture repair, and thus provide a tool to inform decision making and improve care. Smoking status may increase risk for SSIs following facial fracture repair.
Case Report: Dose-Dependent Enuresis in Methylphenidate Use
Authors: Güleşen Oya , Bodur Şahin , Cöngöloğlu Ayhan
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. Although enuresis is a very common disorder in child diagnosed with ADHD, it may also develop because of methylphenidate.

Methods

Authors report here on a child case of ADHD that developed a probable enuresis related to methylphenidate.

Results and Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware that methylphenidate used in ADHD causes dose-dependent enuresis.
Virologic, clinical, and immunological characteristics of a dengue virus 3 human challenge model
Authors: Waickman Adam T. , Newell Krista , Lu Joseph Q. , Fang HengSheng , Waldran Mitchell , Gebo Chad , Currier Jeffrey R. , Friberg Heather , Jarman Richard G. , Klick Michelle D. , Ware Lisa A. , Endy Timothy P. , Thomas Stephen J.
Published: October 2022

Dengue human infection models present an opportunity to explore a vaccine, antiviral, or immuno-compound’s potential for clinical benefit in a controlled setting. Herein, we report the outcome of a phase 1, open-label assessment of a DENV-3 challenge model. In this study, 9 participants received a subcutaneous inoculation with 0.5ml of a 1.4×103PFU/ml suspension of the DENV-3 strain CH53489. All subjects developed RNAemia within 7 days of inoculation, with peak titers ranging from 3.13×104to 7.02×108GE/ml. Symptoms and clinical lab abnormalities consistent with mild dengue infection were observed in all subjects. DENV-3 specific seroconversion was observed by 14 days after inoculation, along with DENV-3 specific memory T cell responses. RNAseq and serum cytokine analysis revealed the presence of an antiviral transcriptional and cytokine response to infection that overlapped with the period of viremia. The magnitude and frequency of clinical and immunologic endpoints correlated with an individual’s peak viral titer.
Prevalence and determinants of opportunistic infections among HIV infected adults after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Woldegeorgis Beshada Zerfu , Zekarias Zewdineh , Adem Bulcha Guye , Obsa Mohammed Suleiman
Published: October 2022

Background

Reliable data on the burden of opportunistic infections (OIs) after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation is critical for planning health services and reducing OI-related morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, there has been no nationally representative information on the prevalence of OIs in our country. Therefore, we have undertaken this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence, and identify potential risk factors associated with the development of OIs in HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)-infected adults receiving ART in Ethiopia.

Methods

Articles were searched in international electronic databases. A standardized Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and STATA software version 16 were used for data extraction and analysis, respectively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used to write this report. The random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate pooled effect. Statistical heterogeneity of the meta-analysis was checked. Subgroup and the sensitivity analyses were also performed. Publication bias was examined funnel plots and the nonparametric rank correlation test of Begg and the regression-based test of Egger. Association was expressed through a pooled odds ratio (OR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI)

Results

A total of 12 studies with 6163 study participants were included. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of OIs was 43.97% (95 % CI (38.59, 49.34). Poor level of adherence to ART (OR, 5.90 (95% CI (3.05, 11.40), under nutrition (OR, 3.70 (95% CI (2.01, 6.80), CD4 T lymphocytes count <200 cells /µL (OR, 3.23 95% CI (2.06, 5.07), and advanced World Health Organization (WHO) HIV clinical stages (OR, 4.84 (95% CI (1.83, 12.82) were predictors of OIs.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence OIs among adults taking ART is high. Poor adherence to ART, under nutrition, CD4 T lymphocyte counts <200 cells /µL, and presentation with advanced WHO HIV clinical stages were factors associated with the development of OIs.
First identification and investigation of piRNAs in the larval guts of Asian honey bee,Apis cerana
Authors: Long Qi , Sun Ming-Hui , Fan Xiao-Xue , Cai Zong-Bing , Zhang Kai-Yao , Wang Si-Yi , Zhang Jia-Xin , Gu Xiao-Yu , Song Yu-Xuan , Chen Da-Fu , Fu Zhong-Min , Guo Rui , Niu Qing-Sheng
Published: October 2022

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), a kind of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), play pivotal parts in maintaining the genomic stability and modulating biological processes such as growth and development via regulation of gene expression. However, piRNAs in Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) is still largely unknown at present. In this current work, on basis of previously gained high-quality small RNA-seq datasets, piRNAs in the larval guts ofApis cerana cerana, the nominate species ofA. cerana, was for the first time identified, followed by in-depth investigation of the regulatory roles of differentially expressed piRNAs (DEpiRNAs) in the developmental process of theA. c. cerana. Here, a total of 621 piRNAs were identified in theA. c. ceranalarval guts, among which 499 piRNAs were shared by 4- (Ac4 group), 5- (Ac5 group), and 6-day-old (Ac6 group) larval guts, while the numbers of unique ones were 79, 37, and 11, respectively. piRNAs each group were ranged from 24 nt to 33 nt in length, and the first base of piRNAs had a cytosine (C) bias. Additionally, five up-regulated and five down-regulated piRNAs were identified in the Ac4 vs. Ac5 comparison group, 9 of which could target 9, 011 mRNAs; these targets were involved in 41 GO terms and 137 pathways. Comparatively, 22 up-regulated piRNAs were detected in the Ac5 vs. Ac6 comparison group, 21 of which could target 28, 969 mRNAs; these targets were engaged in 46 functional terms and 164 pathways. The results suggested the overall alteration of expression pattern of piRNAs during the developmental process ofA. c. ceranalarvae. Regulatory network analysis showed that piR-bmo-748815 and piR-bmo-512574 in the Ac4 vs. Ac5 comparison group as well as piR-bmo-716466 and piR-bmo-828146 in the Ac5 vs. Ac6 comparison group linked to the highest number of targets. Further investigation indicated that targets of DEpiRNAs in the above-mentioned two comparison groups could be annotated to several growth and development-associated pathways, such as Jak/STAT, TGF-β, and Wnt signaling pathways, indicating the involvement of DEpiRNAs in modulating larval gut development via these crucial pathways. Moreover, the expression trends of six randomly selected DEpiRNAs were verified using a combination of stem-loop RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. These results not only provide a novel insight into the development of theA. c. ceranalarval guts, but also lay a foundation for uncovering the epigenetic mechanism underlying the larval gut development.
A Hydrophobic Microenvironment Significantly Influences the Reactivity of the Catalytically Relevant Thiols of the Na+/K+-ATPase
Authors: Ologunagba Titilayo Ibironke , Ojo Tolulope Ayoola , Kade Ige Joseph
Published: October 2022

The transmembrane protein responsible for the electrogenic transport of Na+and K+across the plasma membrane, the Na+/K+-ATPase, highly vulnerable redox modulations and thiol modifying agents due to the presence of thiol groups at the nucleotide and cationic sites. However, reports have demonstrated a preferential interaction of these protein thiols with oxidizing agents. The reactivity of protein thiols is strongly linked with the nature of the microenvironment of these thiols, hence, the present study sought to experimentally elucidate key features of the microenvironment of the catalytically relevant thiols at the substrate-binding sites of this crucial enzyme. Two thiol modifiers with similar thiol-reactive mechanism, but different molecular properties, iodoacetamide (IA) and N-acetyl-4-phenyliodoacetamide (APIAM), were employed. It was observed that while both compounds demonstrated excellent thiol-oxidizing properties in the chemical model, only APIAM had an inhibitory effect on the activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase. The involvement of the catalytically relevant thiols at the nucleotide and cation-binding sites of the enzyme in APIAM-mediated inhibition was confirmed by the protective effect of preincubating the reaction system with dithiothreitol (DTT). The findings from this study suggest that the catalytically relevant thiols of this enzyme are likely buried in a hydrophobic microenvironment. This could be a part of the protective measure of nature for these vulnerable protein thiols. Further details from our findings can be explored in the therapeutic management of diseases for which a dysfunction in the Na+/K+-ATPase have been identified.

Highlights

The transmembrane Na+/K+-ATPase has well-defined substrate-binding domains exposed to both aqueous microenvironment and buried within the hydrophobic transmembrane microenvironment

These microenvironments influence vulnerability of the critical thiols of the enzyme to oxidative assault

These thiols are likely buried in the hydrophobic core of the enzyme, thus selecting its susceptibility to thiol modfying agents
ADULT EXPRESSION OF SEMAPHORINS AND PLEXINS IS ESSENTIAL FOR MOTONEURON SURVIVAL
Authors: Vaikakkara Chithran Aarya , Allan Douglas W. , O’Connor Timothy P.
Published: October 2022

A role for axon guidance genes in the adult nervous system has not been fully elucidated. We performed an RNAi screen against guidance genes in the adultDrosophila melanogasternervous system and identified fourteen genes required for adult survival and normal motility. Additionally, we show that adult expression of Semaphorins and Plexins in motoneurons is necessary for neuronal survival, indicating that guidance genes have critical functions in the mature nervous system.
Health and safety risk of migrant construction workers–a systematic literature review
Authors: Guan Zechen , Yiu Tak Wing , Samarasinghe Don Amila Sajeevan , Reddy Ravi
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to review and analyze the research literature on the health and safety issues of migrant workers in the construction industry from 2000 to 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

5 steps method is used to conduct a systematic review to achieve the objectives. After scanning two authoritative search engines “Web of Science” and “Scope”, 60 articles are selected from 225 publications for identification and review. These identified articles are classified by research fields, countries and time span.

Findings

The review finds that with the increasing influence of migrant construction workers, the number of publications on the health and safety of migrant workers has shown a rapid upward trend. Moreover, language barriers are the most dominant safety risk factors encountered by on-site migrant workers. This systematic literature review also summarizes the definition of migrant workers and solutions to reduce safety risk factors.

Originality/value

The research data on the health and safety issues and risk factors of migrant workers in the construction industry is still limited. This literature review summarizes the research trends and contributions of the literature in this field in the past 22 years and provides theoretical support for future research on the safety management of the migration construction field.
A new strategy for the approximate solution of fourth-order parabolic partial differential equations with fractional derivative
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Li Zitian
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to purpose the idea of a new hybrid approach to examine the approximate solution of the fourth-order partial differential equations (PDEs) with time fractional derivative that governs the behaviour of a vibrating beam. The authors have also demonstrated the physical representations of the problem in different fractional order.

Design/methodology/approach

Mohand transform is a new technique that the authors use to reduce the order of fractional problems, and then the homotopy perturbation method can be used to handle the further series solution in the form of convergence. The formulation of Mohand transform and the homotopy perturbation method is known as Mohand homotopy perturbation transform (MHPT). The fractional order in this paper is considered in the Caputo sense.

Findings

The results are formulated in the shape of iterative series and predict the solution close to the exact solution. This successive iteration demonstrates the authenticity and reliability of this scheme.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents the significance of MHPT such that, firstly, Mohand transform is coupled with homotopy perturbation method and, secondly, the fractional order a is used to show the physical behaviour of the graphical solution.

Practical implications

This study presents the consistency and authenticity of the graphical solution with the exact solutions.

Social implications

This study demonstrates that Mohand transform is capable to handle the fractional order problem without any constraints and assumptions.

Originality/value

A new integral transform has been introduced without any restriction of variables that produces the results in a series form and confirms the validity of the proposed algorithm by graphical illustrations.
Audit quality and corporate trade credit: evidence from the Asian emerging markets
Authors: Saeed Asif , Munir Zahid , Zafar Muhammad Wasif
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether companies with high audit quality (AQ) are expected to use trade credit (TC) as a financing source. Traditionally, vendors are most likely to extend TC to creditworthy customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses the data from 134,099 firm-year observations of nine Asian emerging markets from 2001 to 2017. Further, to check the impact of AQ on trade credit, the authors employ ordinary least square (OLS) with fixed effects, cluster effect regression and random effect.

Findings

The findings indicate that vendors extend more TC to the companies audited by the BIG4 auditors as, these independent practitioners have greater competencies, expert intellectual capital, global networking connections, and high investment in information technology. The authors, therefore, conjecture that the company's use of TC increases with their improved AQ, especially audited by BIG4. The results are found consistent with this prediction and robust to the alternative measures of trade credit. Similarly, this positive association is more pronounced with the BIG4 partner's unqualified audit opinion.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses the sample of Asian Emerging countries but the researchers cannot generalize the results to developed countries or other regions.

Practical implications

This paper's findings have significant implications for the management, board of directors, shareholders and suppliers. Further, results are in favor of appointing BIG4 auditors to gain the trust of suppliers.

Originality/value

Despite the wide-ranging literature that discusses the importance of quality audits in enhancing the firms' financial disclosures that leads to better access to finance through investors and lenders. But the TC as a financing source is ignored in relation to AQ. The study’s results extend the literature associating companies' AQ with financial decisions.
Reliability analysis for stress–strength model from inverted exponentiated Rayleigh based on the hybrid censored sample
Authors: Panahi Hanieh
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The study based on the estimation of the stress–strength reliability parameter plays a vital role in showing system efficiency. In this paper, considering independent strength and stress random variables distributed as inverted exponentiated Rayleigh model, the author have developed estimation procedures for the stress–strength reliability parameter R = P(X>Y) under Type II hybrid censored samples.

Design/methodology/approach

The maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimates of R based on Type II hybrid censored samples are evaluated. Because there is no closed form for the Bayes estimate, the author use the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm to obtain approximate Bayes estimate of the reliability parameter. Furthermore, the author construct the asymptotic confidence interval, bootstrap confidence interval and highest posterior density (HPD) credible interval for R. The Monte Carlo simulation study has been conducted to compare the performance of various proposed point and interval estimators. Finally, the validity of the stress–strength reliability model is demonstrated via a practical case.

Findings

The performance of various point and interval estimators is compared via the simulation study. Among all proposed estimators, Bayes estimators using MHG algorithm show minimum MSE for all considered censoring schemes. Furthermore, the real data analysis indicates that the splashing diameter decreases with the increase of MPa under different hybrid censored samples.

Originality/value

The frequentist and Bayesian methods are developed to estimate the associated parameters of the reliability model under the hybrid censored inverted exponentiated Rayleigh distribution. The application of the proposed stress–strength reliability model will help the reliability engineers and also other scientists to estimate the system reliability.
Effect of elastic throttling structure on the load performance of aerostatic radial bearing
Authors: Chen Dongju , Zhang Xuan , Pan Ri , Sun Kun , Fan Jinwei
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This research aims to combine the throttling structure with the elastic element to enhance the load performance of aerostatic radial bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, a fluid–solid coupling model of the elastic throttling structure is established while considering the interaction between the elastic element and the flow field. The effects of elastic element structural parameters on the stiffness and load capacity of aerostatic radial bearing are then researched. Finally, the effect of elastic element modulus on air film load performance and elastic element deformation is analyzed.

Findings

The results indicate that the aerostatic radial bearing with elastic element can significantly improve the load capacity and stiffness when compared to the common aerostatic bearing. By choosing the proper combination of parameters, the load performance can be improved by at least 16%.

Originality/value

The throttling structure of aerostatic bearing is optimized in this work, which significantly enhances the load performance of the aerostatic bearing.
A robotic polishing trajectory planning method for TBCs of aero-engine turbine blade using measured point cloud
Authors: Liang Xufeng , Cai Zhenhua , Zeng Chunnian , Mu Zixin , Li Zifan , Yang Fan , Chen Tingyang , Dong Shujuan , Deng Chunming , Niu Shaopeng
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The application of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) allows aero-engine blades to operate at higher temperatures with higher efficiency. The preparation of the TBCs increases the surface roughness of the blade, which impacts the thermal cycle life and thermal insulation performance of the coating. To reduce the surface roughness of blades, particularly the blades with small size and complex curvature, this paper aims to propose a method for industrial robot polishing trajectory planning based on on-site measuring point cloud.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose an integrated robotic polishing trajectory planning method using point cloud processing technical. At first, the acquired point cloud is preprocessed, which includes filtering and plane segmentation algorithm, to extract the blade body point cloud. Then, the point cloud slicing algorithm and the intersection method are used to create a preliminary contact point set. Finally, the Douglas–Peucker algorithm and pose frame estimation are applied to extract the tool-tip positions and optimize the tool contact posture, respectively. The resultant trajectory is evaluated by simulation and experiment implementation.

Findings

The target points of trajectory are not evenly distributed on the blade surface but rather fluctuate with surface curvature. The simulated linear and orientation speeds of the robot end could be relatively steady over 98% of the total time within 20% reduction of the rest time. After polishing experiments, the coating roughness on the blade surface is reduced dramatically from Ra 7–8 µm to below Ra 1.0 µm. The removal of the TBCs is less than 100 mg, which is significantly less than the weight of the prepared coatings. The blade surface becomes smoothed to a mirror-like state.

Originality/value

The research on robotic polishing of aero-engine turbine blade TBCs is worthwhile. The real-time trajectory planning based on measuring point cloud can address the problem that there is no standard computer-aided drawing model and the geometry and size of the workpiece to be processed differ. The extraction and optimization of tool contact points based on point cloud features can enhance the smoothness of the robot movement, stability of the polishing speed and performance of the blade surface after polishing.