bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovation capabilities in the convergence trend of higher education from the perspective of quality management
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Gu Yixian
Published: August 2022

With changing trends and technology, the education system has evolved from a traditional to a modernized, qualitative, and innovatively sustained education system. Many factors contribute to process innovation and quality management benchmarks. This study has two primary goals: (1) determining the causal relationship between TQM and innovation capability, and (2) determining whether the exam, admission, and placement process have any effect on TQM and identifying whether TQM can act as a mediator between the admission, exam, and placement process and innovation capabilities. Furthermore, the study used TQM in multiple dimensions (quality management and leadership, staff interaction, institute productivity, and control and measurement of processes). As a result, the current study is the only one to look at TQM with its specific dimensions as a mediator, specifically in higher education. The survey and correlational methods were chosen to test the theoretical framework established using resource-based theory and explicitly based on structural equation modeling using Partial Least Square. A structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale was also distributed to 350 professors (faculty members) from Chinese universities to assess the research constructs. The findings revealed that TQM positively and significantly impacts innovation capabilities. Besides, the admission, exam, and placement process is inextricably linked to TQM’s dimensions and innovation capabilities. TQM also mediated significantly, and all hypotheses tested supported the findings. Future researchers should look into collaborative innovation capabilities and compare teachers’ innovation capabilities in higher education, according to the study.
Does urinary metabolite signature act as a biomarker of post-stroke depression?
Authors: Cai Wa , Wang Xia-Fei , Wei Xi-Fang , Zhang Jing-Ruo , Hu Chen , Ma Wen , Shen Wei-Dong
Published: August 2022

Background

It is difficult to conduct the precise diagnosis of post-stroke depression (PSD) in clinical practice due to the complex psychopathology of depressive disorder. Several studies showed that gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-identified urinary metabolite biomarkers could significantly discriminate PSD from stroke survivors.

Methods

A systematic review was performed for the keywords of “urinary metabolite” and “PSD” using Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Wanfang, CNKI, CBM, and VIP database from inception to 31 March 2022.

Results

Four related studies were included in the review. Differential urinary metabolites including lactic acid, palmitic acid, azelaic acid, and tyrosine were identified in all the included studies. As a significant deviation in the metabolite biomarker panel, glyceric acid, azelaic acid, phenylalanine, palmitic acid, pseudouridine, and tyrosine were found in at least 2 included studies, which indicated good potential for the differentiation of PSD.

Conclusion

The systematic review provided evidence that differential urinary metabolites analyzed by the GC-MS-based approach might be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of PSD.
Hypermobile spectrum disorders symptoms in patients with functional neurological disorders and autism spectrum disorders: A preliminary study
Authors: Nisticò Veronica , Iacono Adriano , Goeta Diana , Tedesco Roberta , Giordano Barbara , Faggioli Raffaella , Priori Alberto , Gambini Orsola , Demartini Benedetta
Published: August 2022

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and functional neurological disorders (FNDs) share some clinical characteristics such as alexithymia, sensory sensitivity and interoceptive issues. Recent evidence shows that both the disorders present symptoms compatible with a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and hypermobile spectrum disorders (hEDS/HSD), a heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Here we compared the prevalence of hEDS/HSD-related symptoms in a group of patients with FNDs, of people with ASDs without intellectual disabilities, and a non-clinical comparison group (NC). Twenty patients with FNDs, 27 individuals with ASDs without intellectual disabilities and 26 NC were recruited and completed the Self-reported screening questionnaire for the assessment of hEDS/HSD-related symptoms (SQ-CH). We found that 55% of the patients with FNDs, 44.4% of the individuals with ASDs and 30.8% of NC scored above the cut-off at the SQ-CH; SQ-CH scores of both FNDs and ASDs group were significantly higher than the NC group's ones. In conclusion, both ASDs and FNDs individuals present hEDS/HSD-related symptoms in a higher number than the general population. Imputable mechanisms include (i) overwhelming of executive functions with consequent motor competence impairment for ASDs individuals, and (ii) exacerbation of FNDs symptoms by physical injury and chronic pain due to abnormal range of joint mobility. Moreover, we speculated that the amygdala and the anterior cingulate cortex circuitry might be responsible for the imbalances at the proprioceptive, interoceptive, and emotional levels.
The impact of bipolar spectrum disorders on professional functioning: A systematic review
Authors: Dominiak Monika , Jażdżyk Piotr , Antosik-Wójcińska Anna Z. , Konopko Magdalena , Bieńkowski Przemysław , Świȩcicki Łukasz , Sienkiewicz-Jarosz Halina
Published: August 2022

Aims

The impact of bipolar spectrum (BS) disorders on professional functioning has not been systematically reviewed yet. Since even subsyndromal symptoms may disturb functioning, the determination of the prognostic value of the spectrum of bipolarity for employment seems extremely relevant. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of BS disorders on professional functioning.

Materials and methods

A systematic review of the literature (namely, cohort and cross-sectional studies) investigating a link between BS disorders and employment was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. BS was defined based on the concept of two-dimensional BS by Angst. Occupational outcomes and factors affecting employment were evaluated as well.

Results

Seventy-four studies were included. All disorders comprising BS had a negative impact on occupational status, work performance, work costs, and salary, with the greatest unfavorable effect reported by bipolar disorder (BD), followed by borderline personality disorder (BPD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and dysthymia. Employment rates ranged from 40 to 75% (BD), 33 to 67% (BPD), 61 to 88% (MDD), and 86% (dysthymia). The factors affecting employment most included: cognitive impairments, number/severity of symptoms, namely, subsyndromal symptoms (mainly depressive), older age, education, and comorbidity (substance abuse, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD).

Conclusion

Bipolar spectrum symptoms exert a negative impact on professional functioning. Further evaluation of affecting factors is crucial for preventing occupational disability.
Corruption in the health sector: A problem in need of a systems-thinking approach
Authors: Glynn Emily H.
Published: August 2022

Health systems are comprised of complex interactions between multiple different actors with differential knowledge and understanding of the subject and system. It is exactly this complexity that makes it particularly vulnerable to corruption, which has a deleterious impact on the functioning of health systems and the health of populations. Consequently, reducing corruption in the health sector is imperative to strengthening health systems and advancing health equity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although health sector corruption is a global problem, there are key differences in the forms of and motivations underlying corruption in health systems in LMICs and high-income countries (HICs). Recognizing these differences and understanding the underlying system structures that enable corruption are essential to developing anti-corruption interventions. Consequently, health sector corruption is a problem in need of a systems-thinking approach. Anti-corruption strategies that are devised without this understanding of the system may have unintended consequences that waste limited resources, exacerbate corruption, and/or further weaken health systems. A systems-thinking approach is important to developing and successfully implementing corruption mitigation strategies that result in sustainable improvements in health systems and consequently, the health of populations.
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Results from a prospective observational study in Germany
Authors: Uhrmacher M. , Skaletz-Rorowski A. , Nambiar S. , Schmidt A. J. , Ahaus P. , Serova K. , Mordhorst I. , Kayser A. , Wach J. , Tiemann C. , Münstermann D. , Brockmeyer N. H. , Potthoff A.
Published: August 2022

Aims

Since 2017, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care has been provided through an intersectoral collaboration at WIR (Walk-in-Ruhr, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Bochum, Germany). The aim of this study was to establish possible impact of COVID-restrictions on the sexual behavior of PrEP users in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Methods

The current PrEP study collected data of individuals using PrEP, their sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before (each quarter of year 2018) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (each quarter of year 2020).

Results

During the first lockdown in Germany from mid-March until May 2020, PrEP-care appointments at WIR were postponed or canceled. Almost a third of PrEP users had discontinued their PrEP intake in the 2nd quarter of 2020 due to alteration of their sexual behavior. The number of sexual partners decreased from a median of 14 partners in the previous 6 months in 1st quarter of 2020, to 7 partners in 4th quarter of 2020. Despite such a significant reduction in partner number during the pandemic in comparison to the pre-pandemic period, a steady rate of STIs was observed among PrEP users in 2020.

Conclusion

The SARS-CoV-2-pandemic has impacted PrEP-using MSM in North Rhine-Westphalia with respect to their PrEP intake regimen and sexual behavior in 2020. Our study revealed a steady rate of STI among PrEP users even during the pandemic, thus highlighting the importance of ensuring appropriate HIV/STI prevention services in times of crisis.
Modest association between health literacy and risk for peripheral vascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chiou Shang-Jyh , Chang Yen-Jung , Liao Kuomeng , Chen Chih-Dao
Published: August 2022

Objective

Health literacy plays a crucial role in managing chronic health conditions. Previous studies have revealed the positive relationship between health literacy and diabetes knowledge but few studies have focused on peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in diabetes in relation to health literacy in diabetes management. This study investigated the relationship between the risk for PVD and health literacy level with other determining factors among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Method

We conducted a survey on health literacy using the Mandarin Multidimensional Health Literacy Questionnaire in the department of metabolism and endocrine systems at a regional hospital in northern Taiwan from December 2021 to May 2022 and obtained data from the hospital's health information system (HIS) from 2013 to 2020 to identify occurrences of PVD (n = 429). We performed logistic regression analysis to identify the relationship between PVD events and health literacy levels (overall and in five separate subdimensions) adjusted with other variables.

Results

A longer duration of diabetes increased the risk for PVD events (P = 0.044 and 0.028). In terms of health literacy, the overall level was not significant; however, the dimension of higher levels of health literacy in acquiring health information increased the risk for PVD events (P = 0.034). Other variables were not significantly associated with the risk for PVD events.

Conclusion

This study examined the risk for PVD events in terms of the duration of diabetes and provided evidence across the range of dimensions of health literacy concerning the ability to control diabetes. Those with a higher level of health literacy may be more aware of their disease situation, seek and cooperate with their healthcare providers earlier, and have more opportunities to be made aware of their health status from regular checkups than those with inadequate health literacy. These results may help providers make available more self-management tools that are adequate and sustainable for diabetes patients with poor health literacy.
Assessment of dermal exposure to pesticides among farmers using dosimeter and hand washing methods
Authors: Lari Summaiya , Jonnalagadda Padmaja R. , Yamagani Praveen , Medithi Srujana , Vanka Janardhan , Pandiyan Arun , Naidu Mohan , Jee Babban
Published: August 2022

Inappropriate use of pesticides followed by unsafe handling practices to control the insect infestation among the farming groups in developing countries has resulted in a high exposure risk. The use of personal protective equipment is also negligible among Indian farmers due to their affordability to access the same. Very little research has been conducted to establish an exposure assessment procedure through dermal penetration of pesticide residues. Therefore, to quantify the contamination of pesticide residues through dermal exposure along with detailed field observations and pesticide management practices, a field study was conducted in Rangareddy district, Telangana, Southern India, to assess the dermal exposure based on dosimeter and hand washing methods. The analytical method was modified and validated in-house for performance parameters such as limit of detection, quantification, linear range, recovery, and precision. The potential dermal exposure values ranged from 0.15 to 13.45 μg, while a reduction was found in exposure levels as actual dermal exposure values ranged from 0 to 0.629 μg. Contamination through hand washing was the major contributor to overall dermal exposure. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the exposed dermal regions of the leg and torso after the use of PPE. Penetration factor for each anatomical region and risk evaluation in terms of the Margin of Safety implies unsafe handling of pesticides. The findings of the present study confirm the increased exposure to organophosphate pesticides among operators and highlight the importance of the use of protective measures, especially among those that focus on dermal exposure mitigation.
Birth defects data from hospital-based birth defect surveillance in Guilin, China, 2018–2020
Authors: Yang Xingdi , Zeng Jianjuan , Gu Yiping , Fang Yiming , Wei Caiyun , Tan Shengkui , Zhang Xiaoying
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Birth defects (BDs) are a major contributor to perinatal and infant mortality, morbidity and lifelong disability worldwide. A hospital-based study on birth defects was designed in Guilin city in the Guangxi province of Southwestern China aiming to determine the prevalence of BDs in the studied region, and the classify the BDs based on clinical presentation and causation.

Methods

The study involved BDs among all pregnancy outcomes (live births, stillbirths, death within 7 days, and pregnancy terminations) born in the 42 registered hospitals of Guilin between 2018 and 2020. The epidemiological characteristics of BDs and the etiologic profile of BDs were evaluated in this study.

Results

Of the total 147,817 births recorded during the study period, 2,003 infants with BDs were detected, giving a total prevalence rate of 13.55 per 1,000 births. The top five BD types were congenital heart defects, polydactyly, syndactyly, malformations of the external ear, and talipes equinovarus, whereas, neural tube defects, congential esophageal atresia, gastroschisis, extrophy of urinary bladder, were the least common BD types in these 3 years. Only 8.84% of cases were assigned a known etiology, while most cases (91.16%) could not be conclusively assigned a specific cause.

Conclusion

This study provides an epidemiological description of BDs in Guilin, which may be helpful for understanding the overall situation in Southwest China of BDs and aid in more comprehensive studies of BDs in future healthcare systems, including funding investment, policy-making, monitor, prevention. Strong prevention strategies should be the priority to reduce BDs and improve the birth quality.
A novel nomogram for predicting long-term heart-disease specific survival among older female primary breast cancer patients that underwent chemotherapy: A real-world data retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Chao , Ding Zichuan , Li Hao , Zhou Zongke , Yu Min
Published: August 2022

Background

The past decade has witnessed an improvement in survival rates for breast cancer, with significant inroads achieved in diagnosis and treatment approaches. Even though chemotherapy is effective for this patient population, cardiotoxicity remains a major challenge, especially in older people. It has been established that cardiovascular events are a major cause of death in older female primary breast cancer patients that underwent chemotherapy. In the present study, the independent prognostic factors were identified to develop a novel nomogram for predicting long-term heart disease-specific survival (HDSS) and improving patient management.

Method

Older female primary breast cancer patients that underwent chemotherapy from 2010 to 2015 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and randomly assigned to a training cohort and a validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3. HDSS was the primary endpoint of this study. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted on the training cohort to identify independent prognostic factors of HDSS and construct a nomogram to predict the 5- and 8-year HDSS. The performance of the constructed nomogram was evaluated by calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analyses. Finally, a risk classification system was constructed to assist in patient management.

Result

A total of 16,340 patients were included in this study. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified six independent prognostic factors: age, race, tumor stage, marital status, surgery, and radiotherapy. A nomogram based on these six factors yielded excellent performance, with areas under the curve of the ROC for 5- and 8-year HDSS of 0.759 and 0.727 in the training cohort and 0.718 and 0.747 in the validation cohort. Moreover, the established risk classification system could effectively identify patients at low-, middle-, and high- risk of heart disease-associated death and achieve targeted management.

Conclusion

Independent prognostic factors of HDSS in older female primary breast cancer patients that underwent chemotherapy were determined in this study. A novel nomogram for predicting 5- and 8-year HDSS in this patient population was also established and validated to help physicians during clinical decision-making and screen high-risk patients to improve outcomes.
Assessing readiness factors for implementation of LGBTQ+ affirmative primary care initiatives: Practice implications from a mixed-method study
Authors: Willging Cathleen E. , Sklar Marisa , Eckstrand Kristen , Sturm Robert , Davies Sonnie , Kano Miria
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Access and utilization barriers in primary care clinics contribute to health disparities that disproportionately affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Implementing inclusive practice guidelines in these settings may decrease disparities. The purpose of this exploratory/developmental study is to identify key issues affecting the readiness of primary care clinics to implement such guidelines.

Methods

Using a concurrent mixed-method research design, we conducted surveys, interviews, and focus groups with 36 primary care personnel in clinics in New Mexico, USA, to examine readiness to implement LGBTQ+ inclusive guidelines, analyzing factors affecting motivation, general organizational capacity, and innovation-specific capacity. We supplemented these data by documenting LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices at each clinic. We undertook descriptive analyses and between-subscale comparisons controlling for within-rater agreement of the survey data and iterative coding and thematic analysis of the qualitative data.

Results

Quantitatively, participants reported significantly more openness toward adopting guidelines and attitudinal awareness for developing LGBTQ+ clinical skills than clinical preparedness, basic knowledge, and resources to facilitate implementation. Six themes derived from the qualitative findings corroborate and expand on these results: (1) treating all patients the same; (2) addressing diversity in and across LGBTQ+ populations; (3) clinic climates; (4) patient access concerns; (5) insufficient implementation support; and (6) leadership considerations.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that personnel in primary care clinics support initiatives to enhance service environments, policies, and practices for LGBTQ+ patients. However, drawing on Iris Young's theory of structural injustice, we found that neutralizing discourses that construct all patients as the same and time/resource constraints may diminish motivation and capacity in busy, understaffed clinics serving a diverse clientele and reinforce inequities in primary care for LGBTQ+ people. Efforts are needed to build general and innovation-specific capacities for LGBTQ+ initiatives. Such efforts should leverage implementation teams, organizational assessments, education, leadership support, community engagement, and top-down incentives.
Understanding dental caries as a non-communicable and behavioral disease: Management implications
Authors: Giacaman Rodrigo A. , Fernández Constanza E. , Muñoz-Sandoval Cecilia , León Soraya , García-Manríquez Natalia , Echeverría Constanza , Valdés Sebastián , Castro Ramiro J. , Gambetta-Tessini Karla
Published: August 2022

New paradigms in caries conceptualization have emerged during the last decades, leading to intense debate and discussion on how to approach the disease, both from a preventive and a therapeutic perspective. Among many new ideas, research discoveries and technologies, one major concept can be highlighted that created a deep frontier between the old and the new paradigm in caries conceptualization; the non-communicable nature of the disease, firmly associated with behaviors and lifestyles. This article synthetizes the conceptual construction of dental caries as a non-communicable disease (NCD) based on the current evidence and discusses the appropriate management of the disease in this context. Dental caries has shifted from being considered transmissible and infectious to an ecological and non-communicable disease. Environmental factors such as frequent sugars intake, disrupt the symbiosis of the dental biofilm leading to a dysbiosis, which favors caries lesion initiation and progression. As an NCD, dental caries shares characteristics with other NCDs such as cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, cancer and diabetes, including long duration and slow progression, not being transmissible from person-to-person, being strongly related to modifiable behavioral risk factors, and affecting preferentially disadvantaged populations with a strong inequality gradient. Given the high prevalence of dental caries, and its consequences on people's health and quality of life, a recognizable conceptual view of caries as a NCD is required to target an effective management. Current understanding of dental caries supports prevention through acting on the modifiable risk factors (behaviors) and involves management based on an interdisciplinary approach. Communicating these modern concepts among researchers, clinicians and policymakers is needed to decrease the global high burden of the disease.
Left-sided appendicitis due to anatomical variation: A case report
Authors: Hu Qiang , Shi Jianfeng , Sun Yuanshui
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Left-sided appendicitis is a rare condition, and we report a patient with left abdominal heterotopia of the right colon complicated by acute appendicitis in the left lower quadrant.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old male was admitted to hospital following left lower abdominal pain for 1 day. Imaging examination by abdominal CT showed that the appendix was not clearly seen, and a mass was found in the left lower abdomen. Because the patient's abdominal pain was severe and the current diagnosis was not clear, after soliciting the patient's consent, we performed laparoscopic exploration. This exploration revealed that the cecum and ascending colon were located in the left iliac fossa, the appendix was swollen, the length of the appendix was approximately 6 cm, the diameter of the appendix was approximately 1 cm, and there was pus moss attached to the surface. We performed a laparoscopic appendectomy; the procedure was uneventful and the patient was discharged 3 days after the procedure.

Conclusion

Left-sided appendicitis is a rare condition and is therefore easy to misdiagnose. Wrong diagnosis can lead to serious complications and endanger the patient's life. Therefore, a full combination of laboratory tests and CT scan is required. If still no diagnosis can be made correctly, a laparoscopic exploration needs to be performed in a timely manner. This case teaches us that when we encounter a patient with severe left abdominal pain that cannot be definitely diagnosed, we need to be vigilant and perform timely laparoscopic exploration when necessary.
Simultaneous reconstruction of septic composite defects in lower extremities: Combination of fasciocutaneous perforator flap and Masquelet technique
Authors: Liu Xuanzhe , Yang Jin , Wang Hongshu , Lu Shengdi , Fan Cunyi , Wen Gen
Published: August 2022

Background

Management of composite defects with deep infection is a challenge to reconstructive surgeons. This study aimed to demonstrate the versatility, safety, and complications of simultaneous reconstruction of infectious composite defects with fasciocutaneous perforator flap combined with the Masquelet technique.

Methods

This study presents 10 patients in whom a fasciocutaneous perforator flap combined with the Masquelet technique was used to restore soft tissue and bone defects of the lower extremity, and were admitted in two level 1 trauma centers in Shanghai. The first stage included debridement of necrotic bone and infected tissues, implantation of a polymethylmethacrylate cement spacer to cover the void; bridging fixation of the osseous defect using external or internal fixators, and soft-tissue reconstruction with a fasciocutaneous perforator flap. The second stage included cement spacer removal with membrane preservation, refreshing bone edges, and grafting the cavity with bone morphogenetic proteins and autologous iliac bone graft.

Results

The mean follow-up duration after autologous bone graft was 17.5 months. The average bony defects and average flap dimensions were 7.1 cm and 44.9 cm2, respectively. All flaps survived uneventfully. No recurrence of infection was detected in either the second stage of surgery or follow-up period. The mean duration of bone consolidation was 31.9 weeks. One patient had a 2 cm leg length discrepancy, and one patient had mild foot drop. No residual deformity requiring a secondary procedure occurred.

Conclusion

Fasciocutaneous perforator flap combined with Masquelet technique provides a reliable and versatile alternative for patients with composite defects resulting from lower extremity infection.
Weighted gene co-expression identification of CDKN1A as a hub inflammation gene following cardiopulmonary bypass in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Chen Huan , Liu Jinglan , Wu Yuqing , Jiang Li , Tang Mi , Wang Xin , Fang Xiaoling , Wang Xi
Published: August 2022

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect. Most patients with CHD require surgery, and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is the most common surgery performed.

Methods

The present study utilized weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify key inflammation genes after CPB for CHD. The GSE132176 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database for WGCNA to identify the modules closely related to clinical traits. Disease enrichment, functional annotation and pathway enrichment were performed on genes in the module closely related to clinical traits using Enrichr and Metascape. Immune infiltration analysis was also performed on the training dataset using CIBERSORT. Finally, we identified hub genes using high gene significance (GS), high module members (MMs) and Cytoscape, and we verified the hub genes using an independent dataset and Western blot analysis.

Results

WGCNA showed that the brown module with 461 genes had the highest correlation to CHD after CPB. Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis were performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, which showed that genes in the brown module were enriched in inflammation-related pathways. In the disease enrichment analysis, genes in the brown module were enriched for inflammatory diseases. After the 30 most highly associated brown intramodular genes were screened, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING online analysis website. The protein-protein interaction results were then calculated using 12 algorithms in the cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape software. The final result showed that CDKN1A was the fundamental gene of post-CPB for CHD. Using another independent validation dataset (GSE12486), we confirmed that CDKN1A was significantly differentially expressed between preoperative and postoperative CPB (Wilcoxon, P = 0.0079; T-test, P = 0.006). In addition, CDKN1A expression was elevated in eosinophils, neutrophils, memory CD4 T cells and activated mast cells. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of CDKN1A protein was significantly higher postoperative CPB than preoperative CPB. Moreover, CDKN1A was mainly related to inflammation.

Conclusion

In summary, we found a relationship between CDKN1A and inflammation after CPB for congenital heart disease by WGCNA, experiments and various bioinformatics methods. Thus, CDKN1A maybe serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target for accurate diagnosis and treatment of inflammation after CPB in the future.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promote the repair of trochlear groove reconstruction in dogs
Authors: He Shi , Zhang Jun , Chen Wojun , Yan Yanyao , Lin Yuhong , Zhang Yicheng , Lei Shirui , Huang Chuyin , Chen Shengfeng , Chen Zhisheng , Liu Canying , Bai Yinshan , Ji Huiqin , Ruan Huimin , Li Dongsheng , Ye Cailing , Wang Cuilin , Zhan Xiaoshu , Wang Bingyun
Published: August 2022

Trochlear groove reconstruction (TGR) is a common treatment for patellar luxation (PL) in dogs. Nevertheless, the prognosis of TGR is poor due to the cartilage damage and secondary inflammation. To study the repair effect of canine umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC–MSCs) after TGR, 10 experimental dogs were given TGR surgery and then randomized into two groups: Treatment group (1 ml suspension allogeneic UC–MSCs (106 cells/kg) was injected into the cavum articulare on days 0, 7, and 14 after TGR); and the Model group (injected with 1 ml of physiological saline as negative control). The therapeutic effect of UC–MSCs was studied by blood routine examination, inflammatory factor index detection, double-blind knee score, histopathology, and computed tomography (CT) scans. The results showed that the total number of white blood cells and neutrophils in the model group were significantly higher than those in the treatment group on both 7 days and 21 days, postoperatively (P < 0.05); there were no significant changes in the levels of IL-6, MMP-13, and TGF-β1 between the model group and the treatment group throughout the days of testing. The double-blind knee scores of the treatment group were significantly lower than the model group on 1st, 4th, and 5th days postoperatively (P < 0.05). The treatment group showed low-pain sensation, stable gait, and fast recovery of muscle strength in the knee score, and the wound healing of the treatment group returned to normal on the 5th day after surgery; CT scans and gross observation showed that the cartilage growth in the treatment group was faster than that in the model group. Histological observation of cases showed that fibro chondrocytes were predominantly found in the treatment group, and the distribution of chondrocytes was uneven, while the model group showed a large number of fibrous tissue hyperplasia, fissures, and unequal matrix staining. Intra-articular injection of UC–MSCs after TGR has the effect of relieving pain and promoting the repair of bone defects, making the operative limb recover function earlier, making up for the deficiency of TGR, and improving the effect of PL treatment. Future studies should furthermore explore the dose and frequency of therapy based on the multiple advantages of UC–MSCs and the mechanism of cartilage repair in dogs.
Mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from chicken peripheral blood secrete bioactive factors with antimicrobial and regenerative properties
Authors: Harman Rebecca M. , Churchill Katherine A. , Parmar Sonia , Van de Walle Gerlinde R.
Published: August 2022

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are adult multipotent progenitor cells that have been isolated from various tissue sources of many species, primarily mammals. Generally, these cells proliferate extensively in culture and have been shown to secrete bioactive factors that contribute to healing processes by regulating inflammation, modulating immune responses, inhibiting bacterial growth, and promoting tissue regeneration. The present study reports on the isolation and characterization of MSCs from the peripheral blood (PB) of chickens. Chicken PBMSCs were characterized based on their trilineage differentiation potential and gene and protein expression of MSC-specific cell surface markers. To determine functionality, conditioned medium (CM), which contains all bioactive factors secreted by MSCs, was collected from chicken PBMSCs, and used in in vitro antimicrobial, migration, and angiogenesis assays. Chicken PBMSC CM was found to (i) inhibit the growth of planktonic Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and even more significantly the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), (ii) decrease adhesion and promote migration of fibroblasts, and (iii) support endothelial cell tube formation. Collectively, these data indicate that chicken PBMSCs secrete bioactive factors with antimicrobial and regenerative properties, and as such, provide a novel source of cell-based therapies for the poultry industry.
Gene Expression Patterns of Osteopontin Isoforms and Integrins in Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Jámbor Krisztina , Koroknai Viktória , Kiss Tímea , Szász István , Pikó Péter , Balázs Margit
Published: August 2022

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that physiologically interacts with different types of integrins. It is considered to be a possible prognostic biomarker in certain tumor types; however, various splicing isoforms exist, which have not been investigated in melanoma. We aimed to define the relative expression pattern of five OPN isoforms and clarify the prognostic significance of the splice variants in melanoma. We also aimed to investigate the expression pattern of eight integrins in the same tumors. Gene expression analyses revealed that the relative expression of OPNa, OPNb, and OPNc is significantly higher in metastatic tumors compared to primary lesions (p < 0.01), whereas the expression of OPN4 and OPN5 was low in both. The more aggressive nodular melanomas had higher expression levels compared to the superficial spreading subtype (p ≤ 0.05). The relative expression of the eight tested integrins was low, with only the expression of ITGB3 being detectable in nodular melanoma (Medianlog2 = 1.274). A positive correlation was found between Breslow thickness and the expression of OPNc variant, whereby thicker tumors (>4 mm) had significantly higher expression (p ≤ 0.05). The Breslow thickness was negatively correlated with the expression of OPN4, and similarly with ITGA2. OPNc also exhibited significant positive correlation with the presence of metastasis. Our data show that high expression of OPNa, OPNb, and especially OPNc and low expression of OPN4 and ITGA2 are associated with an advanced stage of tumor progression and poor prognosis in melanoma.
The Activation of PDGFRβ on Mononuclear Stromal/Tumor Cells in Giant Cell Tumor of Bone After Denosumab Treatment. An Immunohistochemical Study of Five Cases
Authors: Antal Imre , Pápai Zsuzsanna , Szendrői Miklós , Perlaky Tamás , Dezső Katalin , Lippai Zoltán , Sápi Zoltán
Published: August 2022

Due to the relatively high recurrence rate and the destructive nature of the tumor, the treatment of giant cell tumor is still a challenge. Denosumab appeared to be a promising candidate as a therapeutic drug. However, several studies have reported that tumors can recur during/after treatment with denosumab. Based on activated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pattern of the stromal/tumor cells, a combination treatment with denosumab and sunitinib has recently been proposed to inhibit recurrences. This prompted us to investigate the PDGFRβ expression of five denosumab treated cases using both primary and recurrent tumors during and after denosumab treatment. In addition, to recognise morphological changes, immunohistochemical analysis of H3F3A and PDGFRβ was also performed. As an effect of denosumab treatment, the permanent absence of giant cells associated with severe to mild fibrosis was the most consistent morphological change, but H3F3A positive stromal/tumor cells were observed in all cases. Furthermore, an increased immunopositivity of PDGFRβ in stromal/tumor cells was evident in all recurrent cases during denosumab treatment. Upon tumor recurrence (after the discontinuation of denosumab treatment) the intensity of PDGFRβ immunostaining in stromal/tumor cells was restored/decreased. Our results confirm (for the first time) the activation of PDGFRβ on mononuclear stromal/tumor cells at protein level as an effect of denosumab treatment, which has so far only been demonstrated by phosphoprotein array analysis (protein lysates). The decreased PDGFRβ activity after the discontinuation of denosumab treatmeant and the increased PDGFRβ activity during denosumab treatment underlines the need for denosumab and sunitinib combination therapy.
The Relationship between Contraction of the Ejector Mixing Chamber and Supersonic Jet Mixing Layer Development
Authors: Jing Qi , Xu Wanwu , Ye Wei , Li Zhiyan
Published: August 2022

Supersonic mixing layer development seriously impacts on the performance of an ejector, and the effect of mixing chamber contraction angle on supersonic jet mixing has been poorly studied. Numerical simulations are applied to investigate the effect of the mixing chamber contraction angle (φ) on the performance of a central ejector and supersonic mixing layer development pattern. The main findings of this study are as follows: the non-mixed length (l) is reduced by 22.12% when the mixing chamber contraction angle (φ) increases from 2° to 6°. Meanwhile, the secondary stream mass flow rate (ms) is reduced by 35.02%, and the total pressure loss is decreased by 18.37% at the outlet. l is positively correlated with ms and negatively correlated with the mixing layer thickness (σ). The mixing layer thickness (σ) grows highly linearly before the secondary flow is covered completely. The pressurization (P0δ/P0s) performance of the mixing layer will be progressively weaker than the total pressure loss because of the complex shock structure.
Incorporation of Two Bacterial Blight Resistance Genes into the Popular Rice Variety, Ranidhan through Marker-Assisted Breeding
Authors: Pradhan Kartik , Barik Soumya , Mohapatra Shibani , Nayak Deepak , Pandit Elssa , Jena Binod , Sangeeta Sushree , Pradhan Abhijit , Samal Abhishek , Meher Jitendiya , Behera Lambodar , Panigrahi Debabrata , Mukherjee Arup , Pradhan Sharat
Published: August 2022

The bacterial blight (BB) disease of rice is a major disease that reduces yield heavily in susceptible varieties. Ranidhan is a late maturing popular rice variety but shows high susceptibility to the disease. Two BB resistance genes were transferred into the variety through a marker-assisted backcross breeding approach. Tightly linked molecular markers were deployed to track the BB resistance genes in the plants carrying the target genes in each backcross generation. Foreground screening detected 17, 16 and 15 progenies to carry the 3 BB resistance genes in BC1F1, BC2F1 and BC3F1 generations, respectively. The selected BC3F1 plant was selfed and three different combinations of BB resistance genes were tracked in homozygous state in seven BC3F2 plants. The pyramided lines carrying three resistance genes in homozygous conditions were evaluated for BB disease resistance by inoculating with eight virulent Xoo strains. Five pyramided lines carrying two resistance gene combinations (Xa21+xa13 and Xa21+xa5) exhibited enhanced resistance against the BB pathogens. The disease resistance was in the order of Xa21+xa5 < Xa21+xa13 < xa13+xa5 gene combinations in conferring the resistance. The developed pyramided lines were similar to the recipient parent for the majority of the important agro-morphologic and grain quality traits.
Perceptual Factors Influencing the Adoption of Innovative Tissue Culture Technology by the Australian Avocado Industry
Authors: Thorne Hannah Briony , Axtens Jenna , Best Talitha
Published: August 2022

Avocado growers in Australia are currently experiencing long wait times for orchard-ready plants, limiting productivity and profitability. Tissue culture technology represents a faster and more efficient process of producing plants, offering a solution. However, the development of new growing technology comes with the inherent risk of industry nonacceptance and limited uptake, a costly problem for both innovators and industry. This study explored factors related to technology acceptance by the intended end-users of tissue culture technology within the avocado industry in Australia. The study provides key insights into the overall industry sentiment towards uptake and adoption of tissue-culture technology. An online survey was conducted with participants from the Australian avocado industry and demonstrated perceptions of tissue culture technology were generally positive and that, with appropriate extension services, adoption is predicted to be high across industry users. This paper contributes to the behavioural science of technology adoption by exploring perceived use and likely uptake prior to the broad extension strategies of a new technology.
Improvement of Straw Throwing Performance of Harvester Based on Matching Header Width
Authors: Wang Jiang , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Hongwen , Lu Caiyun , He Jin , Wang Qingjie , Liu Di , Deng Bo , Zhang Meiyu
Published: August 2022

Aiming at the problem wherein a straw crushing and throwing device (SCTD) installed in a rice combine harvester (RCH) has a small throwing width and does not match the harvesting width, this paper proposes an improved plan for installing wind blades (WB) and optimizing the parameters of the deflector. The structural parameters of the WB were determined, and static analysis was carried out. The influence of the number of WB on the airflow field of the crushing chamber (CC) was studied by CFD simulation. The movement of the straw after entering the throwing device (TD) was analyzed. It was determined that the factors affecting the throwing width under the condition of a certain straw speed were the installation angle of the deflector (IAD), and the arc length of the deflector (ALD) through the bench test. The optimal combination of deflectors parameters was determined to match the width of the harvester header. When the straw feeding speed was 4 kg/s, and the straw moisture content was 33.80%, the optimal parameters are that the ALD was 400 mm and the IAD was 9°. The matching degree with the header width (4.50 m) is 98.44%. This study can effectively increase the straw throwing width and create conditions for the smooth implementation of straw returning to the field.
Development of a Disease and Pest Management Program to Reduce the Use of Pesticides in Sweet-Cherry Orchards
Authors: González-Núñez Manuel , Sandín-España Pilar , Mateos-Miranda Miguelina , Cobos Guillermo , De Cal Antonieta , Sánchez-Ramos Ismael , Alonso-Prados Jose-Luis , Larena Inmaculada
Published: August 2022

A protocol for managing the main diseases and pests of sweet cherry in Spain (New IPM) has been implemented in order to reduce the use of pesticides. This New IPM includes nonchemical strategies, such as biological products against diseases and mass trapping of pests, and adjusts the timing and number of pesticide applications according to damage thresholds and a predictive model of diseases based on climatic factors. The New IPM was compared—in commercial orchards from the main cherry-producing areas in Spain (Aragon and Extremadura)—to the integrated management usually carried out in these areas (Standard IPM). Furthermore, a multiresidue method for the determination of the residues in cherries was developed. The number of applications, active ingredients used, and residue levels in fruit were reduced very significantly with this New IPM without affecting the effectiveness in the control of the main cherry diseases (brown rot, shot-hole, and leaf-spot) and pests (European cherry fly, spotted wing drosophila, and black cherry aphid). Neither significant differences in the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in flowers and fruit nor soil and canopy dwelling arthropods were observed between the two protocols, although some positive effects of this New IPM were seen on some groups of natural enemies.
Effect of Brown Algae (Fucus vesiculosus L.) on Humus and Chemical Properties of Soils of Different Type and Postgermination Growth of Cucumber Seedlings
Authors: Yurkevich Marija , Suleymanov Ruslan , Ikkonen Elena , Dorogaya Ekaterina , Bakhmet Olga
Published: August 2022

The possibility of using brown algae in agriculture as an alternative source of nutrients is currentlyunder study and discussion. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of F. vesiculosus on the agrochemical properties of four soil types: Retisol loamy sand soil, Retisolloam, Retisol clay, and Histosol. The F. vesiculosus waste was added to soil samples at a rate of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10 wt%. The brown algaewaste application significantly decreased soil acidity in the substrates of all soil types, with the larger increasesfor Retisol loamy sand and Retisol clay than for Retisol loam and Histosol. The application of F. vesiculosus waste products increased the C content in all soil types except Histosol. The N and P content in soil substrates were not significantly affected by algaewaste application regardless of soil type. This study showed that the effect of F. vesiculosus waste application varies depending on the soil type, with the strongest impact on Retisol clay and the lowest on Histosol.