bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association study of aromatase inhibitor discontinuation due to musculoskeletal symptoms
Authors: Hertz Daniel L , Douglas Julie A , Miller Robert M , Kidwell Kelley M , Gersch Christina L , Desta Zeruesenay , Storniolo Anna Maria , Stearns Vered , Skaar Todd C , Hayes Daniel F , Henry N. Lynn , Rae James M
Published: March 2022

Objective
Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are commonly used to treat hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer. AI-induced musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS) is a common toxicity that causes AI treatment discontinuation. The objective of this genome-wide association study (GWAS) was to identify genetic variants associated with discontinuation of AI therapy due to AIMSS and attempt to replicate previously reported associations.
Methods
In the Exemestane and Letrozole Pharmacogenetics (ELPh) study, postmenopausal patients with HR+ non-metastatic breast cancer were randomized to letrozole or exemestane. Genome-wide genotyping of germline DNA was conducted followed by imputation. Each imputed variant was tested for association with time-to-treatment discontinuation due to AIMSS using a Cox proportional hazards model assuming additive genetic effects and adjusting for age, baseline pain score, prior taxane treatment, and AI arm. Secondary analyses were conducted within each AI arm and analyses of candidate variants previously reported to be associated with AIMSS risk.
Results
Four hundred ELPh participants were included in the combined analysis. Two variants surpassed the genome-wide significance level in the primary analysis (p-value<5x10−8), an intronic variant (rs79048288) within CCDC148 (HR=4.42, 95% CI: 2.67-7.33) and an intergenic variant (rs912571) upstream of PPP1R14C (HR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.20-0.47). In the secondary analysis, rs74418677, which is known to be associated with expression of SUPT20H, was significantly associated with discontinuation of letrozole therapy due to AIMSS (HR=5.91, 95% CI: 3.16-11.06). We were able to replicate associations for candidate variants previously reported to be associated with AIMSS in this cohort, but were not able to replicate associations for any other variants previously reported in other patient cohorts.
Conclusions
Our GWAS findings identify several candidate variants that may be associated with AIMSS risk from AI generally or letrozole specifically. Validation of these associations in independent cohorts is needed before translating these findings into clinical practice to improve treatment outcomes in patients with HR+ breast cancer.
Assessment of Environmental Impact of Aquaculture Ponds in the Western Delta Region of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Nagaraju Thotakura Vamsi , Malegole Sunil , Chaudhary Babloo
Published: March 2022

Aquaculture is persistent and well established in the delta region of Andhra Pradesh. In recent years, the expansion of aquaculture can confer positive economic growth in the newly formed state. However, the enormous expansion of aqua ponds increases the effluents from aquaculture contains a variety of chemical compounds that could cause negative impacts when released into the environment. This paper presents the effect of un-engineered aquaculture on the environment in the delta region of Andhra Pradesh. The rate of expansion of aquaculture practice in the delta region has been done by using remote sensing and geospatial information system. An experimental investigation was carried out for both soil and water samples collected in the aquaculture ponds, to evaluate the water quality parameters, soil characterization, and soil-contaminant interaction. Based on the geospatial data and field survey, the aquaculture practice in the delta region of Andhra Pradesh was intensive and extending towards the northeast from the southwest. In between 2016 and 2020, aquaculture practice was significantly increased by 6.08%. Moreover, water quality parameters and pond bottom soil show a higher concentration of the ammonia and nitrates. Further, aquaculture leachate may interact with the subsoil and have a negative impact on soil mineralogy and hydraulic conductivity. Extensive experimental data and field surveys revealed that adequate guidelines should be needed to control the pollution load on the ecosystem.
New hybrid membrane vacuum swing adsorption process for CO2 removal from N2/CO2 mixture: Modeling and optimization by genetic algorithm
Authors: Zarghampoor Mohammad Hossein , soleimani mansooreh , Mozaffarian Mehrdad , Ravanchi Maryam Takht
Published: March 2022

In this study, a new innovative hybrid membrane/vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) process is developed, modeled, and optimized for removal of CO2 from flue gases. The process benefits from the advantages of membrane simplicity and the high product quality of the adsorption system. The main advantage of this new process is the simultaneous increases of both CO2 purity and its recovery. To achieve this objective, in the first step, a membrane system using PEBAX nano-composite membrane was modeled. In the second step, a VSA system using Zeolite 13X was modeled. The adsorption equilibrium was predicted by the Toth isotherm. To increase the modeling accuracy, the mass transfer rate was calculated based on the quasi-second order model. At the final step, the hybrid membrane/VSA process was modeled. Comparison of the new hybrid membrane/VSA with the stand-alone VSA process shows that the CO2 product concentration was increased by 39% and the recovery was improved by 8%. To study the process limitations and increase the product quality, a sensitivity analysis was performed on vacuum pressure, membrane stage cut, and recycle ratio. Based on the results, decreasing the membrane stage cut to 15% and applying a recycle ratio equal to 2 will increase the product quality with the cost of increasing the equipment size. Finally, to achieve the required purity and recovery specification in industrial applications, the process was optimized using the genetic algorithm. Based on these results, it is possible to produce CO2 with 94.7% purity and 99% recovery and N2 with 99.9% purity and 97.3% recovery by regenerating the adsorbents at 0.01 bar, setting the membrane stage cut equal to 11%, keeping the recycle ratio at 1.89, and adjusting the purge to feed ratio to 2%.
An Obscured Tidal Disruption Event Manifested as Energetic Mid-infrared Outburst in a Milky-Way-sized Star-forming Galaxy
Authors: Liu Hui , Jiang Ning , Sun Luming , Wang Tinggui , Cutri Roc , Shu Xinwen , Wang Yibo , Dou Liming , Zhang Fabao , Zhu Jiazheng , Sheng Zhengfeng
Published: March 2022

Stellar tidal disruption events (TDEs) by supermassive black holes are now discovered at a rate of about a dozen annually from optical time-domain surveys. However, they are puzzlingly overrepresented in post-starburst galaxies but almost absent in normal star-forming galaxies. We report an energetic mid-infrared nuclear outburst in a nearby Milky Way-sized star-forming galaxy SDSSJ0103+1401, which did not show any signatures of active galactic nucleus prior to the outburst. The infrared outburst can be perfectly fitted by a dust echo model of an optical-UV transient on time scale of half a year with its total radiant energy in the infrared exceeding known supernovae. Along with many other analogs, we suggest that there exists a new population of dust obscured TDEs in star-forming galaxies, represented by SDSSJ0103+1401, missed by previous optical or soft X-ray surveys, but can be efficiently uncovered by their IR echoes. The puzzle of post-starburst preference could be highly alleviated with the obscured population taken into consideration.
Elevated TRAF 6 Expression in Peripheral B Cells Is Associated with Disease Progression in Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Li Ting , Li Yue , Li Jiawen , Qin Ying-Hui , Zhai Hui , Feng Bin , Li He , Zhang Ning-Nannan , Yang Chun-Sheng
Published: March 2022

Background
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) can regulate the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways by acting as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, which enhances B cell activation. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of TRAF6 in the peripheral blood B cells of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients and analyze the relationships between TRAF6 expression and clinical characteristics.
Results
In our study, TRAF6 expression was elevated in CD19+ B cells and CD19+CD27+ memory B cells in generalized MG (GMG) patients compared with ocular MG (OMG) patients (p = 0.03 and p = 0.03, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between the TRAF6 expression level and disease severity in both OMG patients and GMG patients (CD19+ B cells: OMG: p < 0.001, r = 0.89; GMG: p = 0.001, r = 0.59; CD29+CD27+ B cells: OMG: p = 0.001, r = 0.80; GMG: p = 0.048, r = 0.38). In the eleven MG patients who were followed, TRAF6 expression in B cells and memory B cells was significantly decreased after treatment (p = 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively).
Conclusion
TRAF6 may be involved in the pathogenesis underlying inflammation and is potentially a useful biomarker of inflammation in MG.
The characteristic appearance of isolated lenticular posterior capsule rupture captured by Ultrasonic Doppler
Authors: Du Ying-Hua , Li Ran , Cai Su-Zhen , Jia Zhi-Yang , Ma Xiao-Ting
Published: March 2022

Background: The isolated lenticular posterior capsule rupture (ILPCR) due to ocular blunt trauma was too occult to be found. The pictures captured by Ultrasonic doppler (UD) were so distinctive and could help to discover and manage conveniently. Method: 6 cases (six eyes) were reviewed from 2017 to 2021. The ultrasonogram features were analyzed. All cases accepted surgical management and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were observed by 3 months follow-up.Results: The sign of ILPCR showed a loose, translucent and flocculence-like cortex in the rupture location of the lens on the view of silt-lamp. All ultrasonograms displayed incomplete waveform of the surface between the lenticular posterior capsule and the anterior vitreous. Lenticular matters scattered in the margin at the interface. All six cases occurred in the young patients and were managed by phacoemulsification with vitrectomy and intraocular lens (IOL) in ciliary groove implantation. The visual acuity at 1 and 3-months post-operation improved significantly in comparison to pre-operation assessment (P< 0.01).Conclusion: ILPCR due to ocular blunt trauma is very rare in clinical practice. Only silt-lamp examination might be not enough. However, UD (7~10MHz) will be a good supplementary method. It has guidance and reference value in clinical therapy and prognosis, and can provide superior and objective information because it has many advantages such as improvement in the axial minimum resolution, variable frequency of the probe and broader detection range.
Evaluation of the effects of steroid growth promoter on the intestinal morphology and morphometry in broiler chicken.
Authors: Islam Rafiqul , Sultana Nasrin , Das Rekha Rani , Bhakta Sonali , Haque Ziaul , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul
Published: March 2022

The intestine of poultry plays a significant role in the health and production through enzymatic and microbial digestion of feed as well as absorption of dietary nutrients. The current study was designed to explore the gross and histological alterations in the broiler duodenum and cecum triggered by dietary dexamethasone (DEX). The study was conducted on four homogenous groups of one-day-old (20 chicks/group) i.e. one control Non-DEX and three treatment groups (DEX-1, DEX-2, and DEX-3). The broilers were fed commercial broiler feed containing DEX at the rate of 0, 3, 5, and 7mg/kg feed in the Non-DEX, DEX-1, DEX-2, and DEX-3 groups respectively. The gross morphologic and morphometric data were recorded immediately after the collection of samples on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Then, the tissue samples were processed for histological investigation. In the gross morphometric study, the weight, length, and width of the intestine were found significantly less in the DEX groups. Histopathological study results showed degeneration of intestinal glands (duodenum), mucosa, and lymphatic nodules with loss of lymphatic nodules (cecum). The percentage of the degenerated nodule was also decreased. The length, width, and surface area of the duodenal villi, thickness of the mucosal layer of the cecum, and diameter of the cecal lymphatic nodules were significantly decreased in all the DEX groups. The magnitude of the alterations was associated with both the dose and duration of DEX treatment. However, the current study results imply that DEX treatment significantly alters the morphologic and morphometric characteristics of the broiler intestine.
Field investigation and numerical modelling of gas extraction in a heterogeneous landfill with high leachate level
Authors: xie haijian , Fei Shuangke , He Haijie , Zhang An , Ni Junjun , Chen Yun
Published: March 2022

A field gas extraction experiment is carried out at a high-kitchen food large-scale landfill site with high leachate level. The leachate level was decreased to improve the gas extraction efficiency. Considering the heterogeneity of the municipal solid waste (MSW), the voids in the unsaturated MSW are divided into matrix pores and fractures. A transient dual-porosity model was then developed to analyze the pumping test results. The first and second boundary conditions considering the effect of cover layers of landfills was involved. The results show that the gas flow rate can be increased by 14%-25% due to the drawdown of the leachate level. Compared with the single pore model, the dual-porosity model can better predict the field results, indicating that the preferential flow in the landfill caused by the heterogeneity of MSWs is very important. As the pumping pressure increases by 5 times, the ratio of fractures to pores wf can be decreased by 4.4 times. This may be due to the fact that the fractures will be compressed when the effective stress was increased as the negative pumping pressure was applied. The pumping pressure and the anisotropy value of the MSWs have the greater influence on the well radius of influence. The proposed model can be used for effective design of the field gas pumping experiments. The obtained gas generation rate, gas permeability of the dual porosity MSWs can be useful for gas transport analysis and gas pumping well design for the high-kitchen food content landfills.
Prediction of Natural Products as Binding Molecules to COVID- 19 Spike Proteins
Authors: Karim Mohammad Bozlul , Kanaya Shigehiko , Altaf-Ul-Amin Md.
Published: March 2022

Sequences of different spike proteins of COVID-19 are collected and classified by constructing a sequence similarity graph and applying clustering algorithms. Binding affinity of small molecules to those spike proteins is searched by assessing the similarity between spike proteins and different human protein sequences. Selected binding molecules are then compared with natural products mainly plant secondary metabolites based on Tanimoto similarity measure. A tripartite graph is created among spike proteins, binding molecules, and secondary metabolites and a scoring scheme is proposed to measure the strength of a tripartite relation in such a graph. Based on this tripartite graph and scoring scheme, some natural compounds are selected which are likely to be effective against COVID-19. The medicinal and biological activities of the selected compounds are discussed depicting their likelihood to be covid drugs based on scientific literatures.
The Relationship of Endometrial Pathologies with Endometrial Thickness and Inflammatory Markers in Breast Cancers Using Tamoxifen
Authors: Sarioglu Esma , Vural Fisun , Coşkun Ayşe Deniz Ertürk
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Some proliferative and neoplastic changes can be seen in the endometrium of breast cancers using tamoxifen adjuvant therapy(TMX-BC). Identifying risk groups is crucial, but methods and frequency of endometrial follow-ups is still controversial. This study was aimed to investigate the clinical, ultrasonographic, and inflammatory factors to differentiate pathological endometrium in TMX-BC.Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed endometrial biopsy results of TMX-BC(n:361). Normal endometrium (Group I, n:237) and pathological endometrium(Group II, n:124) were compared for clinical, ultrasonographic, and inflammatory features. Neutrophil and platelet to lymphocyte ratio(NLR; PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width(PDW), red blood cell distribution width(RDW), and lymphocyte monocyte ratio(LMR) were the inflammatory markers. Results: The majority of TMX-BC with endometrial biopsy were asymptomatic (72.6%) and had normal endometrium (65.7%). Pathologic endometrium included endometrial polyp(31.9%), endometrial hyperplasia(1.7%), and endometrial cancer(0.8%). Duration of tamoxifen, cancer stage, vaginal bleeding, and menopause was similar in Group I and Group II (p>0.05). Group II had increased endometrial thickness (11.22±5.44mm) compared to Group I (8.51±3.43mm). Group II had higher RDW and PDW than Group I(p<0.05). Endometrial thickness ≥10 mm had significant diagnostic potential in postmenopausal women(AUC:0.676, p:0.000, CI:0.5-0.7), but not in premenopause. Conclusion: PDW and RDW may be promising markers for pathologicalendometrium differentiation, but these preliminary findings should be validated by clinical studies. Measurement of endometrial thickness in asymptomatic patients may predict high-risk women with pathologicalendometrium in postmenopausal women. Further studies are needed in premenopausal women and those using tamoxifen for more than five years.
CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in evaluating the prognosis of maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Wang Lei , Gong Xue , Sun Guijiang , Jiang Aili , Li Bo , Wang Bo , Meng Jia , Lu Zhi , Dong Hongye , Yu Haibo , Bai Fengqi , Chen Kangyin , Zhao Zhiqiang
Published: March 2022

Background: The risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease is above the average in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Nevertheless, there is still no way to assess this risk . Hypothesis:There may be important value in evaluating the prognosis of MHD by using CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores. Methods: 112 patients who were treated with MHD were enrolled. On the basis of the scores, the investigators divided the patients into 3 groups separately. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used as a comparision the of the incidence between all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Multivariate COX regression analysis was used to illustrate the influencing elements of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Area under Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) was applied to estimate that if CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores could predict all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events.Results: CHADS2 score showed statistical significance in the incidence of all-cause mortality in the 3 groups (P＜0.01). CHA2DS2-VASc score showed statistical significance both in the incidence of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in the 3 groups (P＜0.05). CHA2DS2-VASc score and troponin I (cTnI) are both risk factors for MHD patients to predict all-cause mortality.What’s more, CHA2DS2-VASc score is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events,which were showed by Multivariate COX regression analysis. For all-cause mortality,the scores have great predictive value . Conclusions: Both CHADS2 scores and CHA2DS2-VASc scores can predict the incidence of all-cause mortality in MHD patients.As for all-cause mortality, CHA2DS2-VASc score and cTnI are dangers. CHA2DS2-VASc score is an independent danger and can predict the occurrence of cardiovascular events.
Bacterial endophytes from wild perennial Cicer confer drought tolerance and induced growth promotion in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Esmael Zanyar Omer , Bahramnejad Bahman , Harighi Behrouz , Ahmad Nariman S. , Salehi Hemn , Maroofi Hossein , Goodwin Paul H.
Published: March 2022

Background and aimsCicer anatolicum and C. oxyodon are the perennial chickpea species found in the Kurdistan region of Iran. They have greater drought tolerance than the most drought tolerant cultivars of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). They have not been examined thus far for endophytic bacteria, which could have potential for promoting plant growth and increasing drought stress tolerance. The goal of this study was to isolate and characterize endophytic bacteria from C. anatolicum and C. oxyodon , and then inoculate selected strains on C. arietinum and assess their growth under normal and drought conditions.MethodsEndophytic bacteria were isolated from stems, roots and leaves of two perennial chickpea species and characterized for growth under temperature and drought stress, production of indole acetic acid, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase activity, nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, ammonia production, and enzymatic activities of protease, amylase and lipase. Selected isolates were identified using 16S rDNA sequencing, and used to inoculate soil of cultivated chickpea followed by observations of seed germination, growth and development, and photosynthetic pigment contents.ResultsAmong 34 bacterial endophyte isolates from wild perennial chickpeas, in vitro activity was observed for 100% of the isolates for indole acetic acid and ammonia production, 50-60% for phosphate solubilization, protease and amylase activities, 30-40% for nitrogen fixation, lipase, drought tolerance and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid deaminase, and 23% for heat tolerance. For the 14 isolates with the highest levels of most of those traits, there were five Bacillus species, Micrococcus flavus and Kocuria rosea, all of which have not been reported previously as Cicer endophtyes. Cultivated chickpea, Cicer arietinum, was soil inoculated with isolates Bacillus pumilus COBR7, B. pumilus CAAR3, Bacillus simplex CAAR1 or Bacillus muralis CASR16. With watering, B. pumilus COBR7 most increased seed germination, root/shoot growth and photosynthetic pigments, but with drought, different traits were increased by either B. simplex CAAR1, B. muralis CASR16 or B. pumilus COBR7.ConclusionsCicer anatolicum and C. oxyodon contains bacterial endophytes not yet reported from C. arietinum, some of which promoted plant growth without drought as well as improved drought tolerance of cultivated chickpea in the greenhouse.
Switchable Edge-line Coupler based on Parity Time-reversal-Duality Symmetry
Authors: Maci Stefano , Nadeem Iram , Verri Valentina , Martini Enrica , Morgia Fabio , Mattivi Maurizio , Toccafondi Alberto
Published: March 2022

A four port broadband Edge-Line Coupler (ELC) based on Parity Time-reversal Duality (PTD) symmetry has been conceived, designed, constructed and measured. The coupler connects four PTD bifilar edge lines (BELs), recently introduced by the authors. The PTD-BELs are constituted by a parallel plate waveguide whose walls are formed by a junction between Perfect Electric Conductor (PEC) and Perfect Magnetic Conductor (PMC) boundary conditions. Reversing the axis orthogonal to the plates interchanges the position of PEC and PMC. Such a waveguide supports unimodal transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode propagation, extremely confined along the top and bottom junction edges; its propagation is protected against backscattering from any discontinuity that preserves the PTD symmetry. The ELC presented here is constituted by a 4-port junction in which each port is intrinsically matched due to the PTD symmetry, strongly coupled with a second port, strongly decoupled with a third port, and weakly coupled with a fourth port. The ELC is designed by using mushroom for the PMC portion of the device; the connection is based on a switch circuit which imposes open and short conditions on the two opposite sides of the structure. Switching simultaneously the open and short circuits reroutes the signal in a different port, while maintaining the same level of coupling with the other ports. A static prototype has been built and its measurements have confirmed the matching performance and the good directionality of the coupler in a broadband frequency range between 24 and 30 GHz.
Physical model experiment research on evolution process of water inrush hazard in a deep-buried tunnel containing the filling fault
Authors: Xu Xin , Jing Hongwen , Zhao Zhenlong , Yin Qian , Li Jian , Li Hong
Published: March 2022

In deep tunnel engineering, water inrush disasters caused by filling faults occur frequently and have generated wide interest in the fields of rock mechanics and fluid mechanics. In this paper, the rock mass similar material is prepared with river sand as aggregate, cement as a binder, and clay as a regulator, and the similar material of the fault is composed of river sand and gravel, which lays a good foundation for the development of physical model experiment. Then, by using the self-designed visualization test system of the two-dimensional model of deep-buried tunnel filling fault water inrush, four physical models were laid by changing the fault width, fault cross distance, and fault cross angle to study the effect of different hydraulic pressures. In addition, the evolution process of water inrush disaster and the distribution characteristics of seepage weakening failure zone, hydraulic buckling failure zone, and excavation disturbance failure zone are analyzed and discussed. Furthermore, the justification classifications of tunnel risk were established to characterize the process of water-inrush of different schemes for different loading water pressure. The research results further reveal the evolution characteristics of rock fissures, connection, and formation of water inrush channels, and provide an important basis for reducing and controlling the occurrence of such tunnel water inrush disasters.
Predicting Hip-Knee-Ankle and Femorotibial Angles from Knee Radiographs with Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Jinhong , Hall Thomas , Musbahi Omar , Jones Gareth , Arkel Richard van
Published: March 2022

Knee alignment affects the development and surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis. This research aimed to improve its automatic measurement from posteroanterior (PA) knee radiographs by using convolutional neural networks. Radiographs from the Osteoarthritis Initiative with corresponding femorotibial angle (FTA, N = 6149) and hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA, N = 2351) measurements, were split into training, validation, and test datasets in a 70:15:15 ratio. Separate models were developed for the prediction of FTA and HKA and their accuracy quantified. Heat maps were then used to identify the anatomical features within each image that most contributed to the predicted angles. High accuracy was achieved for FTA (mean absolute error 0.8°), and better than state-of-the-art accuracy was achieved for HKA (mean absolute error 1.7°). Heat maps for both models were concentrated on the knee anatomy and could prove a valuable tool for assessing prediction reliability in clinical application. Deep learning techniques enable fast, reliable and accurate predictions of both FTA and HKA from plain knee radiographs and could lead to cost savings for healthcare providers and reduced radiation exposure for patients.
Complications and Satisfaction in Transwomen receiving Breast Augmentation: Short and Long Term Outcomes
Authors: Schoffer Ariane , Bittner Ann-Kathrin , Hess Jochen , Kimmig Rainer , Hoffmann Oliver
Published: March 2022

Background: To achieve long-term improvement in health care of transgender women it is necessary to analyze all aspects of gender-confirming surgery, especially the relation of risks and benefits occuring in these procedures. Whilst there are many studies presenting data on the urologic part of the surgery, there is just few data about complications and satisfaction with breast augmentation. Methods: This is a retrospective study using parts of the BREAST-Q Augmentation Questionnaire and additional questions for symptoms of capsular contracture and re-operations and analysing archived patient records of all transwomen which were operated at University Hospital Essen from 2007-2020. Results: 99 of these 159 patients (62%) completed the questionnaire after a median time of 4 years after surgery. Breast augmentation led to re-operations due to complications in 5%. The rate of capsular contracture (Baker Grad III-IV) in this population was 3%. Most patients (75%) rated high scores of satisfaction with outcome (more than 70 points) and denied to have restricitions due to their implants in their everyday life. All patients reported an improvement in their quality of life owing to breast augmentation. Conclusion: Breast augmentation by inserting silicon implants is a safe surgical procedure which takes an important part in reducing gender dysphoria.
Perinatal outcomes in twin late preterm pregnancies: results from an Italian area-based, prospective cohort study.
Authors: Monari Francesca , Chiossi Giuseppe , Menichini Daniela , Gargano Giancarlo , Coscia Alessandra , Baronciani Dante , Facchinetti Fabio
Published: March 2022

Background: Multiple gestations represent a considerable proportion of pregnancies delivering in the late preterm (LP) period. Only 30% of LP twins are due to spontaneous preterm labor and 70% are medically indicated; among this literature described that 16-50% of indicated LP twin deliveries are non-evidence based. As non-evidence-based delivery indications account for iatrogenic morbidity that could be prevented, the objective of our observational study is to investigate first neonatal outcomes of LP twin pregnancies according to gestational age at delivery, chorionicity and delivery indication, then non evidence-based delivery indications. Methods: Prospective cohort study among twins infants born between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks, in Emilia Romagna, Italy, during 2013-2015. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse perinatal outcomes. Results: Among 346 LP twins, 84 (23.4%) were monochorionic and 262 (75.7%) were dichorionic; spontaneous preterm labor accounted for 85 (24.6%) deliveries, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes for 66 (19.1%), evidence based indicated deliveries were 117 (33.8%), while non-evidence-based indications were 78 (22.5%). When compared to spontaneous preterm labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, pregnancies delivered due to maternal and/or fetal indications were associated with higher maternal age (p<0.01), higher gestational age at delivery (p<0.01), Caucasian race (p 0.04), ART use (p<0.01), gestational diabetes (p<0.01), vaginal bleeding (p<0.01), antenatal corticosteroids (p<0.01), diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR) (p<0.01), and monochorionic (p<0.01). Two hundred twenty-six pregnancies (65.3%) had at least one fetus experiencing one composite of adverse perinatal outcome. Multivariate analysis confirmed that delivery indication did not affect the composite of adverse perinatal outcomes; the only characteristic that affect the outcome after controlling for confounding was gestational age at delivery (p<0.01). Conclusion: Our study suggests that the decision to deliver or not twins in LP period should consider gestational age at delivery as the main determinant infants’ prognosis. Delivery indications should be accurately considered, to avoid iatrogenic early birth responsible of preventable complications.
Assessing Agrometeorological Drought in Iran’s Anthropocene
Authors: Isfahani Poria Mohit , Kopaei Saeed Soltani , Modarres Reza
Published: March 2022

The present study aims to investigate Iran’s agrometeorological drought history and its properties using Multivariate Standardized Drought Index (MSDI). For this purpose precipitation and soil moisture recorded at 99 synoptic stations in Iran with more than 30 years observations were colected. Based on MSDI time series, drought properties including duration and severity were calculated and trend analysis was carried on using Trend Free Prewhitening Mann Kendall test. Also the standard normal homogeneity test (SNH-test) was applied to investigate chronological drought change-point detection (CPD). From agrometeorological perspective, results showed that longer and more severe droughts are more dominant in southern, southeastern, northeastern and some western regions of the country. Trend analysis revealed that most stations have rising frequency and significant drying trend especially in winter at central plateau and western regions. Also we recognized two main periods 1991–2000 and 2006–2010 that many stations experienced change-point in their MSDI time series, mainly because of climatic and anthropogenic causes. Drought properties assessment shows 6 stations with serious upward trend in drought duration and severity in northeast and western regions. The probability analysis revealed that most stations have a ratio around 2–5 times increase in drought occurrence probability after change point, leading to longer and more severe droughts in these stations. The paper indicates a serious situation related to agrometeorological drought occurrence, persistence and severity in Iran because of many climatic and anthropogenic factors over the last 30 years.
Evaluation of a hospital-based violence intervention program on pediatric gunshot wound recidivism in Chicago.
Authors: George Princy P , Khan Narmeen , McQueen Alisa , Slidell Mark B. , Reese Carol , Stolbach Bradley C
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUNDPurpose: To examine gunshot wound (GSW) recidivism in a pediatric trauma center with a hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP).Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric GSW patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center over 5 years (2013 to 2018). We compared repeat GSWs within 2 years of initial injury between HVIP participants and non-participants.FINDINGSResults: Forty-three out of 113 individuals (38%) participated in HVIP services. Fourteen patients (12.4%) had a repeat GSW 2 years after initial injury. The majority of repeat GSW victims were non-participants (11 out of 14 individuals, 78%). The recidivism rate fornon-participants was 15.7% compared to 7% for participants (X2 = 1.15, p = 0.28).Non-participants had more severe re-injuries than participants and 1 died as a result of extensive injuries.CONCLUSIONSOur HVIP shows promise in reducing risk for pediatric patients with GSWs.Policy Implications: HVIPs require national attention and funding.
Discovering Molecular Regulators of Ageing Using Mixture Models With RNA-sequencing Data
Authors: Loganathan Sasdekumar , Kulkarni Ameya , Fard Atefeh Taherian , Mar Jessica
Published: March 2022

Identifying the molecular regulators that control ageing is challenging because the ageing process is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors which makes it difficult to source the contribution of a single gene. Multiple studies have demonstrated that as humans age, increased gene expression heterogeneity results in the dysregulation of key regulators and pathways. Given the dynamic nature of gene expression, it is vital that this data be modelled by statistical approaches that can appropriately account for changes in variability to understand the contribution of heterogeneity during the aging process and properly identify its regulators. This study demonstrates the utility of using mixture models to model biological variability of gene expression occurring during ageing and how novel potential regulators of ageing can be identified.Our mixture modelling approach was applied to gene expression data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) cohort. For every gene, the expression profile was modelled using a mixture model across the cohort where the subset of donors corresponding to each mode was tested for a significant change in age group. The multi-tissue aspect of GTEx was leveraged to find ageing regulators based on this mixture model approach genes that were common across multiple tissues, suggesting that the regulation of ageing may also be controlled through a set of genes that have non-tissue-specific activity. Our approach identified the common ageing regulator mTOR, as significantly associated with a mixture model profile but this gene was not detected through standard differential expression analysis using edgeR. Genes identified by the standard approaches like edgeR and the mixture model-based approach were found to be enriched for similar biological pathways. This suggests that while the specific ageing regulators identified from our approach may be distinct, they generally belong in the same pathways as the genes that are identified by standard approaches. Overall, these results indicate that modelling gene expression variability using mixture models in conjunction with standard differential gene expression can help uncover new regulators that have a potential role for understanding human ageing.
Screening and Identification of Azo Dye Decolourizers from Mangrove Rhizospheric soil
Authors: Modi Akhilesh , Singh Sunita , Patki Jyoti , Padmadas Naveen
Published: March 2022

Removal of synthetic textile dye poses a challenge to the textile industry and a threat to environment flora and fauna. These dyes are marginally degradable and recalcitrant, hence alternatives to physical and chemical techniques like various bioremediation studies involving plants, plant roots, single or consortium of microbes have been used as environment friendly methods for the removal of textile dye. In the present study potent bacteria for dye decolourization were isolated from rhizospheric soil collected from Kamothe, Navi Mumbai, India. Of the 20 isolates obtained after enrichment, seven isolates were used for further screening of efficient decolourization ability in MBM media containing 10% glucose, 2.5% trace metal solution and 0.1% of MO dye concentration. Physiological parameters to optimize the decolourization of dye at optimum pH, temperature and incubation time was studied for all the seven isolates. UV-vis and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate dye decolorization. The seven isolates were characterized morphologically, biochemically, and molecular identification of these strains were performed by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The isolates were identified as Bacillus paramycoides, Pseudomonas taiwanensis, Citrobacter murliniae, Acinetobacter pitti, Exiguobacterium acetylicum, Psychrobacter celer, and Aeromonas taiwanensis. Out of these Aeromonas taiwanensis has shown exceptional capacity by 100% decolorization of azo dye in minimum time.
Characterization of Lytic Phages Isolated from Effluent Water and Soil against E. coli O157:H7
Authors: Ngene Anayochukwu C. , Egbere John O. , Onyimba Isaac A. , Ohaegbu Chinedu G. , Dashen Michael M. , Umar Uzal , Nnadi Nnaemeka E. , Aguiyi John C.
Published: March 2022

Escherichia coli O157:H7 commensally lives in the rumen of food animals, making it an important foodborne pathogen. It can be transmitted through direct and indirect contact with animals or manure of animals carrying E. coli O157:H7, mediating its transfer to water and food products, which could cause infections to human upon consumption. E. coli O157:H7 is currently an emerging food-borne pathogen of severe public health concern. To this effect, bacteriophages can provide alternative measures for its control. This study was aimed at isolation and characterization of lytic phages isolated from effluent water and soil against E. coli O157:H7 as potential biocontrol agents. Fifty environmental bacteria and four phages were isolated from six different locations; Student Village Hostel_1and 2, Old JUTH_1and 2 and Angwa Rukuba_1 and 2 and were examined for their physiological and morphological characteristics. The fifty environmental bacteria isolates were characterized and screened to determine the permissive host for the four phages as the antibiotics susceptibility profile of the environmental isolates were determined. Three isolates EIA_18 (Escherichia coli), EIA_19 (Bacillus spp) and EIA_26 (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were observed to be permissive host for the phages. The phages were screened against E. coli O157:H7 and other eleven selected pathogenic bacteria. The four phages displayed broad lytic activity against shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 and some of the selected pathogenic bacteria. These four lytic phages were designated as ECPA_1, ECPA_2, ECPA_3 and ECPA_4. Despite isolation from different locations, further characterization showed that they displayed a high degree of similarities. While all the phages were relatively stable over a wide range of salinity, temperatures, NaCl, Chloroform and pH values, their range of infectivity or lytic profile was rather wide against E. coli O157:H7 and some of the selected pathogenic bacteria, while few of the selected pathogenic bacteria showed no activity. This study showed that the isolated bacteriophages are the dominant E. coli O57:H7-infecting phages harboured in the selected areas within Jos metropolis and due to their favourable characteristics can be exploited in the formulation of phage cocktails for the bio-control of E. coli O157:H7.
Phase separation of +TIP-networks regulates microtubule dynamics
Authors: Miesch Julie , Wimbish Robert , Velluz Marie-Claire , Aumeier Charlotte
Published: March 2022

Regulation of microtubule dynamics is essential for diverse cellular functions, and proteins that bind to dynamic microtubule ends can regulate network dynamics. Here we show, that two conserved microtubule end-binding proteins, CLIP-170 and EB3, undergo phase separation and form dense liquid-networks. When CLIP-170 and EB3 act together the multivalency of the network increases, which synergistically increases the amount of protein in the dense phase. In vitro and in cells these liquid networks can condense tubulin. In vitro in the presence of microtubules, EB3/CLIP-170 phase separation can co-condense tubulin all along the microtubule. At this condition microtubule growth speed increases up to two-fold and depolymerization events are strongly reduced, compared to conditions with phase separation deficient networks. Our data show that phase separated EB3/CLIP-170 networks impact microtubule growth dynamics beyond direct protein-microtubule interactions.
Blocking SUR1-TRPM4 reduces neuronal loss in peri-infarct area via stimulating TGFα released by microglia
Authors: He Yihua , Peng Yuqin , Chang Yuan , Liu Xuewu , Chen Jiancong , Lin Chuman , Zhang Kunxue , Pan Suyue , Huang Kaibin
Published: March 2022

Background
As a sequel of ischemic stroke, selective neuronal loss (SNL) mediated by activated microglia and consequential neuroinflammation affects the salvageable peri-infarct area (PIA) and hampers the functional recovery following reperfusion therapy. Recent evidence indicates that inhibition of sulfonylurea receptor 1-transient receptor potential M4 (SUR1-TRPM4) exerts a robust protective effect against inflammation. Hence, we hypothesized that blocking SUR1-TRPM4 channels reduced SNL after brain ischemia in the PIA.
Methods
Mice subjected to temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 1 h and reperfusion for 24 h were adopted to mimic the pathophysiological changes of ischemic stroke. Gene expression, neuronal apoptosis, and protein content were tested by RNA-sequencing, TUNEL staining, Western blot, respectively.
Results
After tMCAO, abundant neuronal apoptosis appeared in the PIA, with remarkable up-regulation and co-localization of SUR1 and TRPM4. Blocking the SUR1-TRPM4 channel by glibenclamide (GLB, a SUR inhibitor) and Trpm4 gene deletion (Trpm4−/−) distinctly alleviated apoptotic neurons in the PIA. To explore the potential mechanism of blocking SUR1-TRPM4, we compared gene expression in brain tissues of Trpm4−/− and wild-type mice after tMCAO modeling using RNA-sequencing and identified 217 differentially expressed genes. Among them, the expression of Tgfα was significantly higher in Trpm4−/− mice compared with that in wild-type mice after tMCAO. GLB treatment significantly increased the expression of TGFα in microglia, as validated by Western Blot and immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, intracerebroventricular injection of recombinant TGFα significantly alleviated the neuronal loss in the PIA and improved neurological outcome after tMCAO. In vitro, we subjected BV-2 microglia cells to oxygen-glucose deprivation or lipopolysaccharide stimulation and found significant up-regulation and co-localization of SUR1 and TRPM4, while blocking SUR1-TRPM4 with GLB and 9-phenanthrol (9-Phe, a TRPM4 inhibitor) increased the expression and release of TGFα by activating the CaMKII/CREB pathway. BV-2 microglia derived conditioned medium after oxygen-glucose deprivation or lipopolysaccharide stimulation induced apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells, which could be inhibited by applying GLB and 9-Phe on BV-2. Furthermore, direct application of recombinant TGFα alleviated neuronal apoptosis mediated by BV-2 microglia conditioned medium.
Conclusions
Collectively, our findings indicate that blocking SUR1-TRPM4 in microglia alleviates SNL, probably by up-regulating the expression and release of TGFα.
An exploratory research study of the ideal medical systems based on the experiences of lay people in South Korea
Authors: Kim Ji-yeon , Yu Soo-Young , Suh Eunyoung , Lim Seongmi
Published: March 2022

Background: The worldwide paradigm shift from a medical-centered system to patient-centered care has caused the need for recognition of actual (practical) medical service from laypeople. In South Korea, intrinsic healthcare use characteristics such as the ‘Herd Behavior’ lead to the predominant use of metropolitan-based major hospitals causing inconveniences including long traveling: waiting hours but short treatment time. To define this issue, illustrating the individual’s perceptions of an ideal health care system are should take precedence. This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions of laypeople in South Korea of ideal health care services based on their experiences with medical service utilization.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Thirteen people were interviewed through three focus group interviews and one in-depth individual interview. The research question was to identify what medical services would be from laypeople’s perspective. Qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method and visualized through a word cloud generated using MAXQDA software.Results: Six themes were derived from the visualized words and an incremental analysis stage to explore perceptions of desirable medical services. Participants had difficulties finding a suitable hospital without expert guidance. Sometimes they felt like money-making objects, resulting in distrust of medical professionals. They expressed the desire for their essential needs to be met regardless of their economic status.Conclusions: This study provides a portrait of laypeople’s experiences related to health care services in the South Korean context, where medical services are predominantly provided by private hospitals with public insurance coverage. It is necessary to embrace users’ perceptions related to this fundamental policy issue to improve the medical system by incorporating a stronger emphasis on people-centeredness.