bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic inequalities in intimate partner violence justification among women in Ghana: analysis of the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data
Authors: Adu Collins
Published: May 2022

Background

One of the key reasons for the high prevalence of intimate partner violence among women is the justification of intimate partner violence. Socio-economic status of women plays a key role in intimate partner violence justification. This study investigated the socio-economic inequalities in the justification of intimate partner violence among Ghanaian women.

Methods

Data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey were used in this study. The study involved a total of 9267 women. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the socio-economic disparities in intimate partner violence justification. The findings were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) demonstrating precision. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

The prevalence of intimate partner violence justification among women in Ghana was 28.2%. Compared with women with no formal of education, those with a higher level of education (aOR 0.17 [95% CI 0.10 to 0.30]) were less likely to justify intimate partner violence. In terms of wealth status, women in the richest quintile had lower odds of justifying intimate partner violence compared with women in the poorest wealth quintile (aOR 0.44 [95% CI 0.28 to 0.67]).

Conclusions

Interventions, policies, strategies and programs such as women's equitable access to formal education, formation of stronger social networks to improve women's socio-economic status, advocacy to stop intimate partner violence and empowerment interventions among women should be focused toward contextualizing intimate partner violence in terms of the acceptance of this behaviour, since this can play a significant role in victimization and perpetration.
Computational analysis of metal transfer mode, dynamics, and heat transfer under different pulsating frequencies in pulsed wire-arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Ikram Adeel , Chung Hyun
Published: May 2022

A numerical model of the metal transfer process was developed using the thermomagnetohydrodynamic equations and the phase-field method to investigate the influence of pulse frequency on the metal transfer mode, dynamics, and thermal behavior in the pulsed wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process. The control of droplet transfer mode, dynamics, and thermal behavior is essential in WAAM; otherwise, several potential defects such as high residual stresses and distortion, poor dimensional accuracy, and surface quality may occur due to uneven heat input condition and process instability. Therefore, in this study, eight sets of pulse frequencies ranging from 50 to 225 Hz, in steps of 25 Hz, using identical power source parameters, such as pulse duty cycle and average current of 25.4% and 152 A, respectively, were considered and compared for a nearly square current waveform. The results reveal that only the current pulses with a medium frequency regime (100–175 Hz) achieve the one-droplet-per-pulse mode of metal transfer. Moreover, an increase in pulse frequency leads to a shorter necking length of the pendent droplet and a significantly lower average speed and temperature of the detached droplet. The results for the heat flux analysis indicate that Joule heating and arc heating decrease due to the increase in pulse frequency, whereas the sheath heating remains almost constant using different pulse frequencies. The proposed numerical scheme provides a detailed understanding of controlling and tailoring the different metal transfer modes and their metal transfer stability during WAAM, which benefits further process optimization and control.
Collective Justice: Ex-Combatants and Community Reparations in Colombia
Authors: Dixon Peter , Firchow Pamina
Published: May 2022

In conflicts involving non-state armed groups, individualized approaches to transitional justice and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration face significant shortcomings for both victims and ex-combatants. Yet, both transitional justice and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration have had trouble interrogating the tensions between individualized and collective approaches, focusing more on normative debates over the proper balance than on the actual experiences of communities in transition. This paper seeks to advance this debate through empirical research on the local experience of justice and coexistence amid civilian and ex-combatant communities in Colombia. The authors utilized a unique dataset of ‘everyday’ community-based indicators of coexistence and justice in eight civilian and ex-combatant communities in rural Colombia. Using the country’s web of reparations mechanisms, the paper draws a distinction between ‘state-led’ and ‘community-led’ collective justice and proposes that the latter can speak to both civilian and ex-combatant communities’ priorities and lived experiences—and, ultimately, provide a pathway to coexistence. This would stand in contrast to the Colombian state’s current collective reparations projects by speaking directly to the concerns and priorities of both civilian and ex-combatant communities: on the civilian side, to be compensated directly by those who committed acts of violence; and on the ex-combatant side, to be recognized and accepted as a community. Such a community-led model integrating transitional justice and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes would serve as a pragmatic middle ground between the individual and state-led collective approaches that dominate transitional justice.
Parental Experiences of Adolescent Cancer-Related Pain: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Clews Charlotte , Davis Cara , Loades Maria , Jordan Abbie
Published: May 2022

Objective

Despite advancing medical treatments, pain remains a significant outcome of adolescent cancer, as both a problematic and distressing symptom. With adolescents spending substantial periods of time at home during cancer treatment, parents perceive themselves as central to the experience and management of adolescents’ pain. The present study aimed to explore parental experiences of adolescent cancer-related pain during, and recently after, completing cancer treatment.

Methods

We interviewed 21 parents of adolescents (aged 12–18 years) with cancer, recruited through a hospital in South West England. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Two themes were generated. The first theme, “Parental perceptions of being at the heart of pain management,” focused on the role of parents in adolescents’ pain journeys, and the vast knowledge they gained. The second, “Adapting and readjusting expectations,” captured parents’ journeys in learning to adjust their lives according to adolescents’ pain and difficulties they faced throughout this process.

Conclusions

Findings highlighted parents’ crucial role throughout adolescents’ pain experiences; learning how to manage adolescents’ pain, and supporting them with the detrimental impact on their lives. The findings emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to supporting families to manage pain. They also indicate a need for targeted research studies investigating parental experiences of adolescent cancer-related pain. This will help professionals understand how best to support parents and adolescents throughout the cancer journey and ultimately improve the physical and psychological outcomes of young people in the longer term.
Granulomatous splenic mass with necrosis revealing an EBV-positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma
Authors: Ungureanu Irena Antonia , Lupinacci Renato Micelli , Parrens Marie , Emile Jean-François
Published: May 2022

Epstein–Barr virus-positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma is a variant of follicular dendritic cell neoplasm most often arising in the liver or spleen. Two histological patterns can be identified in this variant, namely a granulomatous and an eosinophil-rich one. We present the case of a 69-year-old woman with a splenic mass. After being removed, the mass was gray-whitish with an area of necrosis. Histology showed a diffuse distribution of epithelioid granulomas in a background of a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Rare atypical cells EBV+ and CD21+ were present in the intergranulomatous areas. Differential diagnosis for the granulomatous type EBV+ inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma includes infection, sarcoidosis, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, T cell lymphoma and vasculitis. The origin of this neoplasm is the follicular dendritic cell, and, due to its similarities with a myofibroblast, differential diagnosis can be challenging. Immunohistochemistry for dendritic markers and in situ hybridization for EBER remain diagnostic keys.
Natural variation in root exudation of GABA and DIMBOA impacts the maize root endosphere and rhizosphere microbiomes
Authors: Wang Peng , Lopes Lucas Dantas , Lopez-Guerrero Martha G , van Dijk Karin , Alvarez Sophie , Riethoven Jean-Jack , Schachtman Daniel P
Published: May 2022

Root exudates are important for shaping root-associated microbiomes. However, studies on a wider range of metabolites in exudates are required for a comprehensive understanding about their influence on microbial communities. We identified maize inbred lines that differ in exudate concentrations of 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) using a semi-hydroponic system. These lines were grown in the field to determine the changes in microbial diversity and gene expression due to varying concentrations of DIMBOA and GABA in exudates using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metatranscriptomics. Results showed individual and interaction effects of DIMBOA and GABA on the rhizosphere and root endosphere β-diversity, most strongly at the V10 growth stage. The main bacterial families affected by both compounds were Ktedonobacteraceae and Xanthomonadaceae. Higher concentrations of DIMBOA in exudates affected the rhizosphere metatranscriptome, enriching for metabolic pathways associated with plant disease. This study validated the use of natural variation within plant species as a powerful approach for understanding the role of root exudates on microbiome selection. We also showed that a semi-hydroponic system can be used to identify maize genotypes that differ in GABA and DIMBOA exudate concentrations under field conditions. The impact of GABA exudation on root-associated microbiomes is shown for the first time.
The Right to Adequate Child Support in Jordan: The Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Authors: Hilal Ghofran , Al-Zu’bi Hadeel , Hilal Thawab
Published: May 2022

Child support is an internationally recognized child’s right. It should be viewed as a basic human right and therefore treated accordingly by lawmakers and legal practitioners. In Jordan, child support is mainly regulated by the Jordanian Personal Status Law (JPSL), which is directly derived from Islamic law. However, Jordan is also a signatory state of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989 (CRC). Thus, it is crucial to understand what the JPSL is currently pertaining to child support while presenting and comparing its provisions with the obligations under the International Human Rights Law. The article outlines ways in which the domestic judiciary system could utilize the CRC to provide an effective implementation of a child’s right to adequate financial support in line with the main principles of the CRC.
The 3D recording of the so-called Spreti sarcophagus in the Basilica of San Vitale (Ravenna, Italy)
Authors: Ugolotti Greta , Collina Federica , Zambruno Simone , Cornaglia Marco , Iannucci Alessandro , Urcia Alberto
Published: May 2022

This article presents our experience in digitizing a Late Antique sarcophagus using and combining two different recording methods: Structure from Motion (SfM) and Structured Light Scanning. Due to preservation purposes, it was necessary to obtain a reliable 3D digital reproduction of the artifact to perform observations, measurements, and produce graphic layouts for possible forthcoming restorations. The employment of two recording techniques (hardware + software) was necessary to overcome some loss of data that were registered during the acquisition phase. Each method showed some failure in detecting or processing portions of the object surface, mainly due to the mechanical properties of the material (marble) on which the sarcophagus is made.
WIYN open cluster study: The old open cluster, NGC 188, and a re-evaluation of Lithium-richness among red giants
Authors: Sun Qinghui , Deliyannis Constantine P , Twarog Bruce A , Anthony-Twarog Barbara J , Cummings Jeffrey D , Steinhauer Aaron
Published: May 2022

We present WIYN1/Hydra spectra of 34 red giant candidate members of NGC 188, which, together with WOCS2 and Gaia data yield 23 single members, 6 binary members, 4 single non-members, and 1 binary non-member. We report [Fe/H] for 29 members and derive [Fe/H]NGC188  = +0.064 ± 0.018 dex (σμ) (sky spectra yield A(Fe)⊙  = 7.520 ± 0.015 dex (σμ)). We discuss effects on the derived parameters of varying Yale-Yonsei isochrones to fit the turnoff. We take advantage of the coolest, lowest gravity giants to refine the line list near Li 6707.8 Å. Using synthesis we derive detections of A(Li)3  = 1.17, 1.65, 2.04, and 0.60 dex for stars 4346, 4705, 5027, and 6353, respectively, and 3σ upper limits for the other members. Whereas only two of the detections meet the traditional criterion for ‘Li-richness’ of A(Li) > 1.5 dex, we argue that since the cluster A(Li) vanish as subgiants evolve to the base of the RGB, all four stars are Li-rich in this cluster’s context. An incidence of even a few Li-rich stars in a sample of 29 stars is far higher than what recent large surveys have found in the field. All four stars lie either slightly or substantially away from the cluster fiducial sequence, possibly providing clues about their Li-richness. We discuss a number of possibilities for the origin for the Li in each star, and suggest potentially discriminating future observations.
Sizing from the smallest scales: the mass of the Milky Way
Authors: Rodriguez Wimberly M K , Cooper M C , Baxter D C , Boylan-Kolchin M , Bullock J S , Fillingham S P , Ji A P , Sales L V , Simon J D
Published: May 2022

As the Milky Way and its satellite system become more entrenched in near field cosmology efforts, the need for an accurate mass estimate of the Milky Way’s dark matter halo is increasingly critical. With the second and early third data releases of stellar proper motions from Gaia, several groups calculated full 6D phase-space information for the population of Milky Way satellite galaxies. Utilizing these data in comparison to subhalo properties drawn from the Phat ELVIS simulations, we constrain the Milky Way dark matter halo mass to be ∼1–1.2 × 1012 M⊙. We find that the kinematics of subhaloes drawn from more- or less-massive hosts (i.e. >1.2 × 1012 M⊙ or <1012 M⊙) are inconsistent, at the 3σ confidence level, with the observed velocities of the Milky Way satellites. The preferred host halo mass for the Milky Way is largely insensitive to the exclusion of systems associated with the Large Magellanic Cloud, changes in galaxy formation thresholds, and variations in observational completeness. As more Milky Way satellites are discovered, their velocities (radial, tangential, and total) plus Galactocentric distances will provide further insight into the mass of the Milky Way dark matter halo.
On the physical size of the Milky Way globular cluster NGC 7089 (M2)
Authors: Piatti Andrés E
Published: May 2022

We study the outer regions of the Milky Way globular cluster NGC 7089 based on new Dark Energy Camera observations. The resulting background-cleaned stellar density profile reveals the existence of an extended envelope. We confirm previous results that cluster stars are found out up to ∼1° from the cluster’s centre, which is nearly three times the value of the most robust tidal radii estimations. We also used results from direct N-body simulations in order to compare with the observations. We found a fairly good agreement between the observed and numerically generated stellar density profiles. Because of the existence of gaps and substructures along globular cluster tidal tails, we closely examined the structure of the outer cluster region beyond the Jacobi radius. We extended the analysis to a sample of 35 globular clusters, 20 of them with observed tidal tails. We found that if the stellar density profile follows a power law ∝ r−α, the α slope correlates with the globular cluster present mass, in the sense that, the more massive the globular cluster, the smaller the α value. This trend is not found in globular clusters without observed tidal tails. The origin of such a phenomenon could be related, among other reasons, to the proposed so-called potential escapers or to the formation of globular clusters within dark matter minihaloes.
Magnetic field structure in the vicinity of a supermassive black hole in low-luminosity galaxies: the case of Sgr A*
Authors: Nathanail Antonios , Dhang Prasun , Fromm Christian M
Published: May 2022

Observations of $\rm Sgr A^{*}$ have provided a lot of insight on low-luminosity accretion, with a handful of bright flares accompanied with orbital motion close to the horizon. It has been proposed that gas supply comes from stellar winds in the neighborhood of the supermassive black hole. We here argue that the flow at the vicinity of the black hole has a low magnetization and a structure of alternating polarity, totally dictated by the well-studied and long-ago proposed MRI turbulent process. This can be the case, provided that in larger distances from the black hole magnetic diffusivity is dominant, and thus, the magnetic field will never reach equipartition values. For $\rm Sgr A^{*}$, we show the immediate consequences of this specific magnetic field geometry, which are: (i) an intermittent flow that passes from quiescent states to flaring activity, (ii) no quasi-steady-state jet, (iii) no possibility of a magnetically arrested configuration. Moreover, a further distinctive feature of this geometry is the intense magnetic reconnection events, occurring as layers of opposite magnetic polarity, accreted in the vicinity of the black hole. Finally, we argue that the absence of a jet structure in such case will be a smoking gun in 43 and 86 GHz observations.
A photon-controlled diode with a new signal-processing behavior
Authors: Feng Shun , Han Ruyue , Zhang Lili , Liu Chi , Li Bo , Zhu Honglei , Zhu Qianbing , Chen Wei , Cheng Hui-Ming , Sun Dong-Ming
Published: May 2022

The photodetector is a key component in optoelectronic integrated circuits. Although there are various device structures and mechanisms, the output current changes either from rectified to fully-on or from fully-off to fully-on after illumination. A device that changes the output current from fully-off to rectified should be possible. We report the first photon-controlled diode based on a n/n− molybdenum disulfide junction. Schottky junctions formed at the cathode and anode either prevent or allow the device to be rectifying, so that the output current of the device changes from fully-off to rectified. By increasing the thickness of the photogating layer, the behavior of the device changes from a photodetector to a multifunctional photomemory with the highest non-volatile responsivity of 4.8 × 107 A/W and the longest retention time of 6.5 × 106 s reported so far. Furthermore, a 3 × 3 photomemory array without selectors shows no crosstalk between adjacent devices and has optical signal-processing functions including wavelength and power-density selectivity.
Postural balance in frequent lucid dreamers: a replication attempt
Authors: Picard-Deland Claudia , Allaire Max-Antoine , Nielsen Tore
Published: May 2022

Study Objectives

Early research suggests that the vestibular system is implicated in lucid dreaming, e.g. frequent lucid dreamers outperform others on static balance tasks. Furthermore, gravity-themed dreams, such as flying dreams, frequently accompany lucid dreaming. Nonetheless, studies are scarce.

Methods

We attempted to: (1) replicate previous findings using more sensitive static balance measures and (2) extend these findings by examining relationships with dreamed gravity imagery more generally. 131 participants (80 F; Mage=24.1 ± 4.1 yrs) estimated lucid dreaming frequency then completed a 5-day home log with ratings for dream lucidity awareness, control, and gravity sensations (flying, falling). They then performed balance tasks on a sensitive force plate, i.e. standing on one or both feet, with eyes open or closed. Center of pressure (CoP) Displacement and CoP Velocity on each trial measured postural stability.

Results

Findings partially support the claim of a vestibular contribution to lucid dreaming. Frequent lucid dreamers displayed better balance (lower CoP Velocity) than did other participants on some trials and lucid dreaming frequency was globally correlated with better balance (lower CoP Velocity). Lower CoP Velocity was related to flying sensations in men’s dreams and with more dream control in women’s dreams. However, body height—possibly due to its relationship to sex—and levels of sleepiness confound some of these effects.

Conclusion

While findings only provide a partial replication of previous work, they nonetheless support an emerging view that the vestibular system underlies basic attributes of bodily self-consciousness, such as feelings of self-agency and self-location, whether such consciousness occurs during wakefulness or dreaming.
Sleep disorders, daytime symptoms, and quality of life in veterans with multiple sclerosis: preliminary findings
Authors: Aljundi Nawar A , Kelly Monica , Zeineddine Salam , Salloum Anan , Pandya Nishtha , Shamim-Uzzaman Q Afifa , Badr Amira N , Mitchell Michael N , Sankari Abdulghani , Badr M Safwan , Martin Jennifer L
Published: May 2022

Study Objectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease impacting the central nervous system. A hallmark symptom of MS is fatigue, which impairs daytime function and quality of life (QOL). Sleep disorders and disturbances are common in persons with MS and exacerbate fatigue. We evaluated relationships between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), insomnia symptoms, sleep quality, and daytime functioning in veterans with MS participating in a larger study.

Methods

Twenty-five veterans with clinically diagnosed MS were included (average age = 57 ± 11, 80% male). One had a co-occurring thoracic spinal cord injury. Twenty-four participants completed in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) to measure apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and sleep efficiency (PSG-SE). Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to measure sleep subjectively. The Flinders Fatigue Scale (FFS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), PHQ-9 depression scale, and GAD-7 anxiety scale assessed daytime symptoms. The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) was used to assess quality of life. Relationships between sleep (AHI, PSG-SE, ISI, PSQI), daytime symptoms (ESS, FFS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7), and quality of life (WHOQOL) were evaluated with bivariate correlations.

Results

Higher ISI (r = 0.78, 95% CI = [0.54, 0.90], p < .001), higher PSQI (r = 0.51, 95% CI = [0.10, 0.77], p = .017), and lower PSG-SE (r = −0.45, 95% CI = [−0.74, −0.02], p = .041) were associated with worse fatigue (FFS). Higher ISI was also associated with worse WHOQOL (Physical Domain; r = −0.64, 95% CI = [−0.82, −0.32], p = .001). There were no other significant relationships.

Conclusion

In veterans with MS, more severe insomnia and worse sleep quality may be associated with more fatigue and lower quality of life. Recognition and management of insomnia should be considered in future studies of sleep in MS.
Evaluation of Pathogenic Fusarium spp. Associated with Soybean Seed (Glycine max) in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Zhao Lin , Wei Xin , Zheng Tao , Gou Ya-Nan , Wang Jun , Deng Jian-Xin , Li Mei-Jia
Published: May 2022

Soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds showing serious symptoms from rotted pods were collected from fields during the harvesting period (July to August 2020) in Taihu Farm, Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, China. Fusarium strains were frequently encountered during fungal isolation. According to the morphology and prepathogenicity tests, six strains showing variable effects on the seeds were selected for identification based on morphology and multilocus phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA, translation elongation factor (EF-1α), calmodulin (CAM), β-tubulin (TUB), and partial RNA polymerase second largest subunit (RPB2), and to evaluate the pathogenic abilities on seed, root, and pod. The results indicated that the strains contained two species (Fusarium fujikuroi and F. proliferatum) in the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) and two species (F. luffae and F. sulawense) from the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC). The two species of FFSC were more aggressive than those of FIESC on soybean seed, root, and pod. Among the strains, F. proliferatum YZU 201408 exhibited the most pathogenicity on all tests, with 72.2 to 90% disease severity.
Relationships Between Cognitive Screening Composite Scores and Pain Intensity and Pain Disability in Adults With/At Risk for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Crowley Sam , Mickle Angela M. , Wiggins Margaret E. , Cardoso Josue , Lai Song , Tanner Jared J. , Staud Roland , Fillingim Roger B. , Price Catherine C. , Sibille Kimberly T.
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

Chronic pain, cognitive deficits, and pain-related disability are interrelated. The prevalence of chronic pain and undiagnosed cognitive difficulties in middle age and older adults is increasing. Of the cognitive systems, executive function and episodic memory are most relevant to chronic pain. We examined the hypothesis that cognitive screening composite scores for executive function and memory would negatively associate with pain intensity and pain disability in a group of middle-aged and older adults with knee pain with or at risk for osteoarthritis.

Methods:

A total of 120 adults (44 men/76 women), an average age of 59 years, participated in the study. Demographic, health history, clinical pain, and cognitive measures were completed. Relationships between pain intensity, pain disability, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) total and composite scores were examined with relevant covariates in the model.

Results:

MoCA raw scores ranged from 13 to 30 with a mean score of 23.9. Pain intensity was negatively associated with overall MoCA total and executive function and memory composite scores. Pain disability over the previous 6 months was negatively associated with executive function, while pain disability over the past 48 hours was not associated with executive function.

Conclusion:

The results of the current study demonstrates associations between pain metrics and cognitive domain scores within a common cognitive screening tool.
Indocyanine Green Aided Schlemm’s Canal Identification During Gonioscopic Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy
Authors: Panigrahi Arnav , Huang Alex S. , Arora Monika , Kumari Somya , Mahalingam Karthikeyan , Gupta Viney , Gupta Shikha
Published: May 2022

Performing procedures like gonioscopic assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in eyes with congenital glaucoma may be difficult many a times due to difficult visualisation of angle structures. Inaccurate identification of angle landmark may lead to various inadvertent surgical complications. Hence, there is a need for techniques to improve visualisation of surgical landmarks during these procedures. In this study, 0.2% indocyanine green (ICG) was used to stain the TM before the surgeon proceeded with GATT. It yielded excellent differentiation of the trabecular meshwork by imparting a bright green hue. This led to successful identification of the site of incision and subsequent 360° cannulation of Schlemm’s canal (SC) in 5/5 cases. ICG aided SC identification is helpful in children with congenital glaucoma undergoing angle surgeries, especially in eyes with poor structure differentiation.
Recurrence of Primary and Secondary Keloids in a Select African American and Afro-Caribbean Population
Authors: Margiotta Elysa , Ramras Sean , Shteynberg Aleksandr
Published: May 2022

Background

Keloid formation occurs with increased incidence in African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans when compared with other ethnic populations. Although surgical management and nonsurgical management of keloids are mainstays of treatment, there are significant variations within studies comparing the efficacy of intraoperative steroid injection, postoperative radiotherapy, or a combination of both modalities. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of different treatment modalities used for treatment of keloids and to determine their recurrence in a select Afro-Caribbean population.

Methods

A retrospective review of the plastic surgery case list from January 2015 to October 2019 was conducted, with identification of 46 Afro-Caribbean and African American patients with 56 keloids. Each patient was contacted to determine whether they had experienced recurrence of their keloid(s). Eighteen patients were lost to follow-up, resulting in 28 patients with 35 keloids included in our study. The treatment protocol involved surgical excision for all keloids, with selective additional triamcinolone 40 mg/mL injection intraoperatively, immediate postoperative radiotherapy, or intraoperative triamcinolone injection with postoperative radiotherapy. Recurrence rates between the different treatment groups were calculated, and statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, with a value of P < 0.05 deeming statistical significance.

Results

Our study demonstrates that postoperative recurrence rates of primary and secondary keloids were 43% and 58%, respectively. Results of recurrence rate varied by specific treatment modality; keloid excision yielded a rate of only 54%, keloid excision with postoperative radiation yielded a rate of 83%, keloid excision with intraoperative triamcinolone injection yielded a rate of 33%, and keloid excision with a combination of intraoperative triamcinolone injection and postoperative radiation yielded a rate of 33%.

Conclusion

Patients of Afro-Caribbean and African American ethnicity are more heavily affected by the formation of keloids compared with other population groups. Results of varying modalities for keloid management demonstrate that patients who received a combination of excision with intraoperative triamcinolone injection, with or without postoperative radiation, had the lowest recurrence rates compared with other treatment protocols including excision alone and excision with postoperative radiation only.
Off-the-Shelf Nipple Engineering
Authors: Vernice Nicholas A. , Caughey Sarah , Berri Nabih , Harris Jason , Matavosian Alicia , Dong Xue , Bender Ryan J. , Bonassar Lawrence , Spector Jason A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Nipple reconstruction is widely regarded as the final step in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. While grafts, local flaps, or combination approaches have been used in nipple reconstruction, none has been able to achieve reliable long-term projection preservation. In response, we have sought to bioengineer neonipples in situ via the implantation of processed, decellularized cartilage xenografts placed within 3-dimensional–printed polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds.

Materials and Methods

External nipple scaffolds were designed in-house and 3-dimensional–printed with PLA filament. Decellularized ovine xenograft infill was prepared and processed by mincing or zesting. All nipple scaffolds were placed subcutaneously on the dorsa of Sprague-Dawley rats and explanted after 1, 3, and 6 months for analysis.

Results

Explanted nipple scaffolds demonstrated gross maintenance of scaffold shape, diameter, and projection with accompanying increases in tissue volume. Histologic analyses revealed preservation of native cartilage architecture after 6 months without evidence of degradation. Analysis of formed tissue within the scaffolds revealed a progressive invasion of fibrovascular tissue with identifiable vascular channels and adipose tissue after 6 months in vivo. Confined compression testing revealed equilibrium moduli of both minced and zested samples that were within the expected range of previously reported human nipple tissue, while these data revealed no differences in the mechanical properties of the neotissue between time points or processing techniques.

Conclusions

These preliminary data support potential use of decellularized allograft to foster healthy tissue ingrowth within a PLA scaffold, thereby offering a novel solution to current limitations in nipple reconstruction.
Extensive patient-to-patient single nuclei transcriptome heterogeneity in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas
Authors: Brazda Peter , Ruiz-Moreno Cristian , Megchelenbrink Wout , Timmers Henri J L M , Stunnenberg Hendrik G.
Published: May 2022

Pheochromocytomas (PC) and paragangliomas (PG) are rare neuroendocrine tumors of varied genetic makeup, associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and a variable risk of malignancy. The source of the transcriptional heterogeneity of the disease and the underlying biological processes determining the outcome in PCPG remains largely unclear. We focused on PCPG tumors with germline SDHB and RET mutations, representing distinct prognostic groups with worse or better prognoses, respectively. We applied single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) on tissue samples from 11 patients and found high patient-to-patient transcriptome heterogeneity of the neuroendocrine tumor cells. The tumor microenvironment also showed heterogeneous profiles mainly contributed by macrophages of the immune cell clusters and Schwann cells of the stroma. Performing non-negative matrix factorization we identified common transcriptional programs active in RET and SDHB as well as distinct modules? including neuronal development, hormone synthesis and secretion, and DNA replication. Comparison of the SDHB and RET transcriptomes with that of developmental stages of adrenal gland formation suggests different developmental stages at which PC and PG tumors appear to be arrested.
TMEM106B is increased in Multiple Sclerosis plaques, and deletion causes accumulation of lipid after demyelination
Authors: Shafit-Zagardo Bridget , Sidoli Simone , Goldman James E. , DuBois Juwen C. , Corboy John R. , Strittmatter Stephen M. , Guzik Hillary , Graff Sarah , Nagra Rashed M.
Published: May 2022

During inflammatory, demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) axonal damage is prevalent early in the disease course. Axonal damage includes swellings, defects in transport, and failure to clear damaged intracellular proteins, all of which affect recovery and compromise the integrity of neurons and remyelination. Autophagy and the clearance of damaged cell components by the proteasome are important for the maintenance of normal cellular turnover; and the restoration of cellular homeostasis. The gradual accumulation of insoluble proteins in the brain is known to impair recovery from several neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we used mass spectrometry to identify insoluble proteins within high-speed, mercaptoethanol/sarcosyl-insoluble pellets from purified white matter plaques isolated from the brains of individuals with MS. We determined that insoluble transmembrane protein106B (TMEM106B), expressed in neurons and glia and normally lysosomal-associated, is increased in MS plaques relative to normal-appearing white matter from individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and non-neurologic controls. We found that decreased TMEM106B protein in mice results in significant axonal damage and lipid droplet accumulation in the spinal cord following chronic myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. When TMEM106Bt/t mice were treated with cuprizone to experimentally induce demyelination, a significant increase in lipid deposition was observed in the corpus callosum of TMEM106Bt/t mice post-cuprizone withdrawal. Our study shows that the brain and spinal cord from challenged TMEM106Bt/t mice accumulate OilRedO+/Perilipin2+ lipid droplets. We postulate that increased insolubility of TMEM106B in MS plaques limits debris clearance by the lysosome which over time contributes to failed remyelination and axonal defects.

Abbreviated Abstract

Transmembrane protein106B (TMEM106B), a lysosome-associated protein, is significantly less soluble in multiple sclerosis plaques than in white matter controls. Decreased TMEM106B produces significant axonal damage and lipid accumulation in mouse models of demyelinating diseases. TMEM106B insolubility and likely loss of function may limit lysosome transport and contribute to CNS pathology.
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates self-sustained quiescence, tumor indolence and late clinical metastasis in a Beclin-1-dependent manner
Authors: Nicco Carole , Thomas Marine , Guillermet Julie , Havard Maryline , Laurent-Tchenio Fanny , Doridot Ludivine , Dautry François , Batteux Frédéric , Tchenio Thierry
Published: May 2022

Self-sustained quiescence (SSQ) has been characterized as a stable but reversible non-proliferative cellular state that limits the cloning of cultured cancer cells. By developing refined clonogenic assays, we showed here that cancer cells in SSQ can be selected with anticancer agents and that culture at low cell density induced SSQ in pancreas and prostate adenocarcinoma cells. Pre-culture of cells in 3D or their pretreatment with pharmacological inhibitors of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) synergize with low cell density for induction of SSQ in a Beclin-1-dependent manner. Dissociated pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) cells rendered defective for SSQ by down-regulating Beclin-1 expression exhibit higher tumor growth rate when injected subcutaneously into mice. Conversely, dissociated PAAD cells in SSQ promote the formation of small indolent tumors that eventually transitioned to a rapid growth phase. Ex vivo clonogenic assays showed that up to 40% of clonogenic cancer cells enzymatically dissociated from resected fast-growing tumors could enter SSQ, suggesting that SSQ could significantly impact the proliferation of cancer cells that are naturally dispersed from tumors. Remarkably, the kinetics of clinical metastatic recurrence in 124 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma included in the TGCA-PAAD project could be predicted from Beclin-1 and Cyclin-A2 mRNA levels in their primary tumor, Cyclin A2 mRNA being a marker of both cell proliferation and mTOR complex 1 activity. Overall, our data show that SSQ is likely to promote the late development of clinical metastases and suggest that identifying new agents targeting cancer cells in SSQ could help improve patient survival.
Loss of CD24 promotes radiation- and chemo-resistance by inducing stemness properties associated with a hybrid E/M state in breast cancer cells
Authors: Bontemps Isaline , Lallemand Céline , Biard Denis , Dechamps Nathalie , Kortulewski Thierry , Bourneuf Emmanuelle , Siberchicot Capucine , Boussin François , Chevillard Sylvie , Campalans Anna , Lebeau Jérôme
Published: May 2022

There is compelling evidence that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an essential role in failure of conventional antitumor therapy. In breast cancer, CD24-/low/CD44+ phenotype as well as a high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity (ALDH+) are widely associated with CSC subtypes. Furthermore, CD24-/low/CD44+ pattern is also characteristic of the mesenchymal cells generated by an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CD24 is a surface marker expressed in many tumor types, however, its biological functions and role in cancer progression and treatment resistance remain poorly documented. We have previously shown that loss of CD24 expression in breast cancer cells is associated with radiation resistance, in relationship with the control of oxidative stress. Because ROS are known to mediate the effects of anticancer drugs as well as ionizing radiation, we investigated if CD24 could be defined as an actor of both radiation- and chemo-resistance of breast cancer cells. Using the HMLE breast cancer cell model, we observed that loss of CD24 expression induces stemness properties associated with the acquisition of a hybrid E/M phenotype. The CD24-/low cells were intrinsically more resistant than CD24+ cells. The resistance was linked to a lower level of ROS, and CD24 controlled ROS levels through the regulation of mitochondrial functions independently of antioxidant activity. Together, these results suggest a key role of CD24 in de-differentiation process of breast cancer cells, promoting acquisition of therapeutic resistance properties.
Genome-centric analysis of short and long read metagenomes reveals uncharacterized microbiome diversity in Southeast Asians
Authors: Gounot Jean-Sebastien , Minghao Chia , Bertrand Denis , Saw Woei-Yuh , Ravikrishnan Aarthi , Low Adrian , Ding Yichen , Qi Amanda Ng Hui , Lin Tan Linda Wei , Yik-Ying Teo , Seedorf Henning , Nagarajan Niranjan
Published: May 2022

Despite extensive efforts to address it, the vastness of uncharacterized ‘dark matter’ microbial genetic diversity can impact short-read sequencing based metagenomic studies. Population-specific biases in genomic reference databases can further compound this problem. Leveraging advances in long-read and Hi-C technologies, we deeply characterized 109 gut microbiomes from three ethnicities in Singapore to comprehensively reconstruct 4,497 medium and high-quality metagenome assembled genomes, 1,708 of which were missing in short-read only analysis and with >28× N50 improvement. Species-level clustering identified 70 (>10% of total) novel gut species out of 685, improved reference genomes for 363 species (53% of total), and discovered 3,413 strains that are unique to these populations. Among the top 10 most abundant gut bacteria in our study, one of the species and >80% of all strains were not represented in existing databases. Annotation of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) uncovered more than 27,000 BGCs with a large fraction (36-88%) not represented in current databases, and with several unique clusters predicted to produce bacteriocins that could significantly alter microbiome community structure. These results reveal the significant uncharacterized gut microbial diversity in Southeast Asian populations and highlight the utility of hybrid metagenomic references for bioprospecting and disease-focused studies.
The Ndc80-Cdt1-Ska1 complex constitute a minimal processive kinetochore-microtubule coupling unit
Authors: Rahi Amit , Chakraborty Manas , Agarwal Shivangi , Vosberg Kristen , Agarwal Shivani , Wang Annie Y. , McKenney Richard J. , Varma Dileep
Published: May 2022

The Ndc80 kinetochore complex is essential for robust kinetochore-microtubule (k-MT) attachments during mitosis. Ndc80 has been shown to recruit the Ska1 complex to kinetochores, where Ska1 is thought to aid in k-MT coupling by Ndc80. Our previous work has shown that Cdt1, a DNA replication licensing factor, is a novel mitotic spindle-associated protein that is also recruited to kinetochores via Ndc80 and is required for stabilizing k-MT attachments. In this study, we developed auxin-induced degron (AID)-tagging to validate the previously demonstrated mitotic role of Cdt1. We demonstrate a direct interaction between Cdt1 and Ska1 that is essential for proper recruitment of Cdt1 to kinetochores and spindle microtubules. We find that Cdk1’dependent phosphorylation of Cdt1 during mitosis is critical for Ska1-binding, consequently regulating the stabilization of metaphase k-MT attachments and normal mitotic progression. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIR-FM) experiments reveal that Cdt1 synergizes with the Ndc80 and the Ska1 complexes for microtubule-binding. Further, we show that single Cdt1 molecules form diffusive tripartite complexes with Ndc80 and Ska1 that can processively track the ends of dynamic microtubules in vitro. Taken together our data identifies a minimal molecular unit responsible for bidirectional processive tip tracking of kinetochores.
A microfluidic droplet array demonstrating high-throughput screening in individual lipid-producing microalgae
Authors: Zheng Guoxia , Gu Furong , Cui Yutong , Lu Ling , Hu Xuejun , Wang Lin , Wang Yunhua
Published: May 2022

Microalgae are a group of photoautotrophic microorganisms which could use carbon dioxide for autosynthesis. They have been envisioned as one of the most prospective feedstock for renewable oil. However, great endeavors will still be needed to increase their economic feasibility; the screening of competitive species and suitable culture conditions are such issues. To greatly accelerate these rather laborious steps and also improve their experimental lump-sum-manner, we developed a microfluidic droplet-based 2×103 resolution “identification card”, which allowed high throughput real-time monitoring of individual algae among population. A novel fluid-blocking-based droplet generating and trapping performance were integrated in the platform which made it excellent in operational simplicity, rapidity and stability and full of the potentials in single-cell-isolation/screening. The developed platform was successfully used to screen three unicellular algae, namely, Isochrysis zhanjiangensis, Platymonas subcordiformis and Platymonas helgolandica var. tsingtaoensis. In situ bioassays of the lipid accumulation and cell proliferation at single cell level for interspecies comparison were possible. Nitrogen stress condition can be indentified that induce positive-skewed frequency distribution of lipid content.
Automated systematic evaluation of cryo-EM specimens with SmartScope
Authors: Bouvette Jonathan , Huang Qinwen , Riccio Amanda A. , Copeland William C. , Bartesaghi Alberto , Borgnia Mario J.
Published: May 2022

Propelled by improvements in hardware for data collection and processing, single particle cryo-electron microscopy has rapidly gained relevance in structural biology. Yet, finding the conditions to stabilize a macromolecular target for imaging remains the most critical barrier to determining its structure. Attaining the optimal specimen requires the evaluation of multiple grids in a microscope as conditions are varied. While automation has significantly increased the speed of data collection, optimization is still carried out manually. This laborious process which is highly dependent on subjective assessments, inefficient and prone to error, often determines the success of a project. Here, we present SmartScope, the first framework to streamline, standardize, and automate specimen evaluation in cryo-electron microscopy. SmartScope employs deep-learning-based object detection to identify and classify features suitable for imaging, allowing it to perform thorough specimen screening in a fully automated manner. A web interface provides remote control over the automated operation of the microscope in real time and access to images and annotation tools. Manual annotations can be used to re-train the feature recognition models, leading to improvements in performance. Our automated tool for systematic evaluation of specimens streamlines structure determination and lowers the barrier of adoption for cryo-electron microscopy.