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Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2023China has rich genetic resources of local pig breeds. In this study, whole-genome resequencing was performed on five Shanghai local pig breeds, aiming to analyze their...
China has rich genetic resources of local pig breeds. In this study, whole-genome resequencing was performed on five Shanghai local pig breeds, aiming to analyze their population genetic structure and unique genomic characteristics. Tens of millions of single nucleotide variants were obtained through the resequencing of a total of 150 individual pigs from five local pig breeds (Meishan, Fengjing, Shawutou, Pudong White, and Shanghai White) after mapping them with the pig reference genome of 11.1. The results of admixture structure analysis also clearly demonstrated the genetic differences between the Shanghai local pig breeds and the three commercial pig breeds (Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire). The genetic infiltration of Landrace and Yorkshire pig breeds in the SHW breed was detected, which is consistent with the early history of crossbreeding in this breed. Selective sweep analysis between four indigenous Shanghai pig breed populations and three commercial pig breed populations identified 270 and 224 genes with selective signatures in the commercial and indigenous Shanghai pig populations, respectively. Six genes (, , , , , and ) were found to be associated with animal growth in the commercial pig population through gene enrichment and protein-protein interaction analysis. In contrast, the gene in the indigenous Shanghai pig population was significantly under selection, which correlated with the long pendulous ear phenotype of the indigenous Shanghai pig population. In conclusion, this study is the first genomic profiling of five representative local pig breeds in Shanghai, which provides molecular genetic data and foundations for better conservation and utilization of local pig breed resources in Shanghai, China.
PubMed: 38067078
DOI: 10.3390/ani13233727 -
Cureus Oct 2023Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) is an emerging clinical phenomenon predominantly observed in morbidly obese individuals. It presents both diagnostic and therapeutic...
Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) is an emerging clinical phenomenon predominantly observed in morbidly obese individuals. It presents both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to clinicians due to its characterization by large, pendulous masses in the abdomen or thigh. MLL may resemble malignant conditions, such as liposarcoma, leading to unnecessary invasive interventions. This study presents two case studies: a 74-year-old male who succumbed to postoperative complications and a 56-year-old female who experienced successful recovery. These cases highlight the urgent need for robust diagnostic criteria and evidence-based management approaches for MLL. In addition, further research exploring the pathogenesis, risk factors, and potential connections among MLL, hypothyroidism, and angiosarcoma is essential.
PubMed: 38021692
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47092 -
PloS One 2023Growing concerns over health and welfare impacts from extreme phenotypes in dogs have created an urgent need for reliable demographic information on the national breed...
INTRODUCTION
Growing concerns over health and welfare impacts from extreme phenotypes in dogs have created an urgent need for reliable demographic information on the national breed structures of dogs.
METHODS
This study included all dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK during 2019 at practices participating in VetCompass. Demographic data on these dogs were analysed to report on the frequency of common breeds and also to report on conformation, bodyweight, sex and neuter associations with these breeds.
RESULTS
The study included 2,237,105 dogs under UK veterinary care in 2019. Overall, 69.4% (n = 1,551,462) were classified as purebred, 6.7% (149,308) as designer-crossbred and 24.0% (536,335) as nondesigner-crossbred. Across 800 unique breed names, the most frequent breeds at any age were nondesigner-crossbred (n = 536,335, 24.0%), Labrador Retriever (154,222, 6.9%) and Jack Russell Terrier (101,294, 4.5%). Among 229,624 (10.3%) dogs aged under one year, the most frequent breeds were nondesigner-crossbred (n = 45,995, 20.0%), French Bulldog (16,036, 7.0%) and Cockapoo (14,321, 6.2%). Overall, based on breed characteristics, 17.6% (395,739) were classified as brachycephalic, 43.1% (969,403) as mesaticephalic and 8.3% (186,320) as dolichocephalic. Of 1,551,336 dogs that were classifiable based on breed, 52.6% (815,673) were chondrodystrophic. Of 1,462,925 dogs that were classifiable, there were 54.6% (n = 798,426) short haired, 32.6% (476,883) medium haired and 12.8% (186,934) long haired. Of 1,547,653 dogs that were classifiable for ear carriage, 24.5% (n = 379,581) were erect, 28.1% (434,273) were semi-erect, 19.7% (305,475) were v-shaped drop and 27.7% (428,324) were pendulous. Overall, there was a 1.09:1.00 ratio of male (n = 1,163,512; 52.2%) to female dogs (n = 1,067,552; 47.8%).
CONCLUSIONS
Health and welfare issues linked to popular breeds with extreme phenotypes suggest that there is much work to do to help owners to make more welfare-friendly decisions when choosing which type of dog to own.
Topics: Dogs; Male; Animals; Female; Dog Diseases; Craniosynostoses; Phenotype; United Kingdom; Demography
PubMed: 37494312
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288081 -
The American Surgeon May 2024A 40-year-old woman admitted for hyponatremia and anasarca due to decompensated cirrhosis after a recent steroid taper developed extremely painful cutaneous breast...
A 40-year-old woman admitted for hyponatremia and anasarca due to decompensated cirrhosis after a recent steroid taper developed extremely painful cutaneous breast lesions clinically mimicking cellulitis and inflammatory breast cancer and was biopsy-diagnosed instead with diffuse dermal angiomatosis (DDA) of the breasts, a rare and painful disease that can be a diagnostic chameleon. This case highlights the importance of early surgical consultation and tissue biopsy to correctly diagnose the etiology of severely painful mastitis and prevent prolonged symptomology and repeated administrations of ineffective treatments. Diffuse dermal angiomatosis should be considered when suspected breast cellulitis is refractory to treatment or there is concern for inflammatory breast cancer, especially in pendulous-breasted women with comorbidities that increase susceptibility to local tissue hypoxia.
PubMed: 38767044
DOI: 10.1177/00031348241256082 -
Strahlentherapie Und Onkologie : Organ... Apr 2024A feasibility study to evaluate the Chabner XRT® Radiation Bra (CIVCO Radiotherapy & Qfix, Coralville, IA, USA) as a customised immobilisation device for patients...
PURPOSE
A feasibility study to evaluate the Chabner XRT® Radiation Bra (CIVCO Radiotherapy & Qfix, Coralville, IA, USA) as a customised immobilisation device for patients with pendulous breasts undergoing radiotherapy was conducted.
METHODS
A total of 34 patients with large pendulous breasts were fitted with the Chabner XRT® Radiation Bra during RT. A mixed-method questionnaire was administered to both radiation therapists (RTTs) and patients. RTTs evaluated the effectiveness of the bra in setup. Patients appraised its comfort level and ease of wearing. Setup reproducibility was evaluated based on a departmental imaging protocol. Acute skin side effects were documented with photos and assessed using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) classification.
RESULTS
Of the patients, 27 (79.4%) completed the questionnaire. 23 patients felt comfortable wearing the bra while 20 felt less exposed during treatment. Reproducibility was acceptable, with a median (range) setup error (isocentre) of 0.0 cm (-0.6 to 0.7 cm; left/right), -0.1 cm (-0.5 to 1.2 cm; posterior) and 0.2 cm (-0.5 to 0.9 cm; inferior) achieved based on matched field borders on skin. However, repeated setups and imaging were required for 3 patients due to large breast size (cups D-G; size 4-5). Minimal skin toxicity (grade 0-1) was observed. No grade ≥ 2 was reported. 10 RTTs completed the survey. Male RTTs (n = 4) were not confident in assisting patients with bra fitting. 8 RTTs agreed that although it was difficult to reproduce the breast tissue for treatment, it helped patients to maintain the treatment position.
CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrated the feasibility of using a customised bra which provided optimal setup reproducibility while maintaining minimal skin toxicity and patient comfort, especially the value-added modesty felt among Asian women during their breast cancer radiotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Breast; Radiation Oncology; Breast Neoplasms
PubMed: 37658923
DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02131-4 -
Microscopy Research and Technique Feb 2024Microbial biofilms occur in many shapes and different dimensions. In natural and semi-artificial caves they are forming pendulous structures of 10 cm and more. In this...
Microbial biofilms occur in many shapes and different dimensions. In natural and semi-artificial caves they are forming pendulous structures of 10 cm and more. In this study a methane driven microbial community of a former medicinal spring was investigated. The habitat was completely covered by massive biofilms and snottites with a wobbly, gelatinous appearance. By using fluorescence techniques in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy the architecture of these so far unknown snottites was examined. The imaging approaches applied comprised reflection of geogenic and cellular origin, possible autofluorescence, nucleic acid staining for bacterial cells, protein staining for bacteria and extracellular fine structures, calcofluor white for β 1 → 3, β 1 → 4 polysaccharide staining for possible fungi as well as lectin staining for the extracellular biofilm matrix glycoconjugates. The results showed a highly complex, intricate structure with voluminous, globular, and tube-like glycoconjugates of different dimensions and densities. In addition, filamentous bacteria seem to provide additional strength to the snottites. After screening with all commercially available lectins, by means of fluorescence lectin barcoding and subsequent fluorescence lectin binding analysis, the AAL, PNA, LEA, and Ban lectins identified α-Fuc, β-Gal, β-GlcNAc, and α-Man with α-Fuc as a major component. Examination of the outer boundary with fluorescent beads revealed a potential outer layer which could not be stained by any of the fluorescent probes applied. Finally, suggestions are made to further elucidate the characteristics of these unusual microbial biofilms in form of snottites. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The gelatinous snottites revealed at the microscale a highly complex structure not seen before. The extracellular matrix of the snottite biofilm was identified as clusters of different shape and density. The matrix of snottites was examined by taking advantage of 78 fluorescently-labeled lectins. The extracellular matrix glycoconjugates of snottites identified comprised: α-Fuc, β-Gal, β-GlcNAc, and α-Man. Probing the snottite outer surface indicated an additional unknown stratum.
Topics: Humans; Methane; Biofilms; Glycoconjugates; Lectins; Bacteria; Microscopy, Confocal
PubMed: 37724509
DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24422 -
Advances in Radiation Oncology Jan 2024Moist desquamation (MD) is a concerning acute side effect of radiation therapy for breast cancer, often seen in skin folds for patients having large or pendulous...
PURPOSE
Moist desquamation (MD) is a concerning acute side effect of radiation therapy for breast cancer, often seen in skin folds for patients having large or pendulous breasts. In vivo skin dosimetry, clinical assessments, and patient-reported skin reactions were used to determine a relationship between dose-area metrics and the development of MD, to lend insight into skin tolerances and possibly guide future treatment planning dose constraints.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
Skin dose was measured using GafChromic film on the inner surface of an early prototype carbon-fiber accessory for breast support to remove the inframammary fold in 20 patients at high risk of developing MD undergoing adjuvant whole breast radiation therapy. Prescribed doses were 42.5 Gray (Gy) in 16 fractions or 50 Gy in 25 fractions using 6 to 15 MV x-rays. To account for fraction size differences, analysis was performed using the equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions using α/β = 11 (EQD2). MD was assessed out to 2 weeks post radiation therapy by trained therapists and by a patient-reported outcome questionnaire.
RESULTS
Statistically significant differences in areas receiving 30 to 48 Gy (EQD2) were observed between patients who did and did not develop MD in the inframammary area. Patients receiving EQD2 maximum dose ≤ 46 Gy and ≥ 38 Gy to ≤ 50 cm of their breast skin did not develop MD.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study offer insight into the relationship between skin toxicity and areas of skin irradiated to doses up to 50 Gy. Potential skin dose constraints to test in future studies to prevent MD are suggested.
PubMed: 38260224
DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2023.101318 -
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology Feb 2024Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is a rare variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for <1% of cases. Skin involvement in LPL is quite rare-accounting for...
Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is a rare variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for <1% of cases. Skin involvement in LPL is quite rare-accounting for approximately 5% of extramedullary disease-and includes a variety of clinical morphologies, such as erythematous-to-violaceous plaques, violaceous nodules or tumors, and ulceration at various anatomical sites. Herein, we report the case of a 45-year-old Korean woman who presented with generalized erythematous indurated plaques and pendulous skin growths, which were asymptomatic, with marked diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells in the dermis. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the lymphoid cells expressed CD3, CD79a, and cytoplasmic IgG, but lacked CD10 and IgM. Moreover, kappa light chain restriction and monoclonal immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement were observed. Upon further workup, lymphoma involvement was reported in multiple lymph nodes, including those in the cervical and axillary regions. This case shows a unique form of cutaneous LPL clinically presenting as acquired cutis laxa, emphasizing the dermatologists' need to be vigilant for variant forms of this disease.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Cutis Laxa; Skin Neoplasms; Lymphoma, B-Cell; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous; Plasma Cells; Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
PubMed: 37877413
DOI: 10.1111/cup.14551 -
BMC Surgery Feb 2024Needle-knife papillotomy (NKP) is widely performed when biliary cannulation is difficult during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, its...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Needle-knife papillotomy (NKP) is widely performed when biliary cannulation is difficult during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, its safety and efficacy in different types of duodenal papilla are not clear.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This retrospective study analyzed 217 patients with difficult biliary cannulation who underwent NKP during ERCP procedures from June 2013 to May 2022 in our institution. Patients were classified according to Haraldsson classification type of duodenal papilla: type 1, regular; type 2, small; type 3, protruding or pendulous; and type 4, creased or ridged. Outcome measures were successful biliary cannulation and incidence of adverse events.
RESULTS
Haraldsson classification was type 1 in 115 patients, type 2 in 29, type 3 in 52, and type 4 in 21. Biliary cannulation was successful in 166 patients (76.5%) Success rates according to Haraldsson type were as follows: type 1, 74.8%; type 2, 82.8%; type 3, 80.8%; and type 4, 66.7%. The rates did not significantly differ among the types (p = 0.48). Overall incidence of adverse events was 9.22%. Incidence of adverse events did not significantly differ among the types (p = 0.69).
CONCLUSIONS
NKP was useful to achieve successful cannulation in patients with difficult biliary cannulation. The rate of successful cannulation and incidence of adverse events were similar among the different types of duodenal papilla.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Catheterization; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Ampulla of Vater; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38365675
DOI: 10.1186/s12893-024-02350-1 -
Membranes May 2024As a central component for anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), the anion exchange membrane is now facing the challenge of further improving its conductivity and...
As a central component for anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), the anion exchange membrane is now facing the challenge of further improving its conductivity and alkali stability. Herein, a twisted all-carbon backbone is designed by introducing stereo-contorted units with piperidinium groups dangled at the twisted sites. The rigid and twisted backbone improves the conduction of hydroxide and brings down the squeezing effect of the backbone on piperidine rings. Accordingly, an anion exchange membrane prepared through this method exhibits adapted OH conductivity, low swelling ratio and excellent alkali stability, even in high alkali concentrations. Further, a fuel cell assembled with a such-prepared membrane can reach a power density of 904.2 mW/cm and be capable of continuous operation for over 50 h. These results demonstrate that the designed membrane has good potential for applications in AEMFCs.
PubMed: 38921488
DOI: 10.3390/membranes14060121