Clinicopathologic characteristics of early-onset breast cancer: a comparative analysis of cases from across Ghana

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer diagnosed globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women younger than 40 years. This study comparatively reviewed the demographic, pathologic and molecular features of Early-Onset Breast Cancer (EOBC) reported in Ghana in relation to Late Onset Breast Cancer (LOBC). METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used, with purposive sampling of retrospective histopathology data from 2019 to 2021. Reports of core or incision biopsy, Wide Local Excision or Mastectomy with or without axillary lymph node dissection specimen and matched immunohistochemistry reports were merged into a single file and analysed with SPSS v. 20.0. Descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages were used to describe categorical variables. Cross-tabulation and chi-square test was done at a 95% confidence interval with significance established at p \u3c 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 2418 cases were included in the study with 20.2% (488 cases) being EOBCs and 79.8% (1930 cases) being LOBCs. The median age at diagnosis was 34.66 (IQR: 5.55) in the EOBC group (\u3c 40 years) and 54.29 (IQR: 16.86) in the LOBC group (≥ 40 years). Invasive carcinoma-No Special Type was the commonest tumour type with grade III tumours being the commonest in both categories of patients. Perineural invasion was the only statistically significant pathologic parameter with age. EOBC was associated with higher DCIS component (24.8% vs 21.6%), lower hormone-receptor-positive status (52.30% vs 55.70%), higher proliferation index (Ki-67 \u3e 20: 82.40% vs 80.30%) and a higher number of involved lymph nodes (13.80% vs 9.00%). Triple-Negative Breast cancer (26.40% vs 24.30%) was the most predominant molecular subtype of EOBC. CONCLUSION: EOBCs in our setting are generally more aggressive with poorer prognostic histopathological and molecular features when compared with LOBCs. A larger study is recommended to identify the association between relevant pathological features and early onset breast cancer in Ghana. Again, further molecular and genetic studies to understand the molecular genetic drivers of the general poorer pathological features of EOBCs and its relation to patient outcome in our setting is needed

Disappearance and appearance of an indigestible marker in feces from growing pigs as affected by previous- and current-diet composition

Abstract Background Indigestible markers are commonly utilized in digestion studies, but the complete disappearance or maximum appearance of a marker in feces can be affected by diet composition, feed intake, or an animal’s BW. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of previous (Phase 1, P1) and current- (Phase 2, P2) diet composition on marker disappearance (Cr) and appearance (Ti) in pigs fed 3 diets differing in NDF content. Results When pigs were maintained on the 25.1, 72.5, and 125.0 g/kg NDF diets, it took 5.1, 4.1, and 2.5 d, respectively, for Cr levels to decrease below the limit of quantitation; or 4.6, 3.7, or 2.8 d, respectively, for Ti to be maximized. These effects were not, however, independent of the previous diet as indicated by the interaction between P1 and P2 diets on fecal marker concentrations (P < 0.01). When dietary NDF increased from P1 to P2, it took less time for fecal Cr to decrease or fecal Ti to be maximized (an average of 2.5 d), than if NDF decreased from P1 to P2 where it took longer for fecal Cr to decrease or fecal Ti to be maximized (an average of 3.4 d). Conclusions Because of the wide range in excretion times reported in the literature and improved laboratory methods for elemental detection, the data suggests that caution must be taken in considering dietary fiber concentrations of the past and currently fed diets so that no previous dietary marker addition remains in the digestive tract or feces such that a small amount of maker is present to confound subsequent experimental results, and that marker concentration have stabilized when these samples are collected

Aqueous alteration processes in Jezero crater, Mars—implications for organic geochemistry

The Perseverance rover landed in Jezero crater, Mars, in February 2021. We used the Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument to perform deep-ultraviolet Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy of three rocks within the crater. We identify evidence for two distinct ancient aqueous environments at different times. Reactions with liquid water formed carbonates in an olivine-rich igneous rock. A sulfate-perchlorate mixture is present in the rocks, which probably formed by later modifications of the rocks by brine. Fluorescence signatures consistent with aromatic organic compounds occur throughout these rocks and are preserved in minerals related to both aqueous environments

Composting piggery waste: A review

For many centuries, composting has been used as a means of recycling organic matter back into the soil to improve soil structure and fertility. The composting process has received much attention in recent years because of pollution concerns and the search for environmentally-sound methods for treating animal waste. The pig industry faces increasing problems from waste production as intensive pig production increases and pig units become bigger. This paper reviews information on the use of composting for treating piggery waste as a means of addressing the environmental pollution concerns. Ways in which composting has been used for treating pig manure, pig carcasses and pig litter as well as factors influencing the composting process are discussed. Suggestions for possible future applications are also presented

Shade preferences of lactating Holstein-Friesian cows

Shade-type preferences by Holstein-Friesian cows were investigated under natural climatic conditions. The trial was conducted in south-east Queensland, Australia, over 88 days in summer. Forty-two cows were placed in a dirt-floored yard (zero grazing) provided with different shade types. Shade types provided were a 3 m high galvanised iron roof, Sechium edule (choko) vines on a 3 m high trellis, 70% shade cloth on a 3 m high frame and natural shade trees. The floor area under the shade structures was concrete. An unshaded area (the remainder of the yard) was also provided. Each cow was scored for coat colour based on the proportion of black and white. Number of cows using a particular shade type and their respiration rates were recorded daily at 1300 hours. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and wind speed were also measured. Cows selected the galvanised iron roof most frequently when temperatures rose above 30 degrees C, with no significant differences between the other shade types. At temperatures below 30 degrees C, animals did not seek shade. As ambient temperature, solar radiation and relative humidity rose, respiration rate rose. Cows with a high percentage of black coat preferred shade, while those with a high percentage of white coat did not seek shade

JIRAM Observations of Volcanic Flux on Io: Distribution and Comparison to Tidal Heat Flow Models

The Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) instrument aboard Juno has allowed clear, high-resolution imaging of Io's polar volcanoes. We have used data from JIRAM's M-band (4.78 micron) imager from eleven Juno orbits to construct a global map of volcanic flux. This map provides insight into the spatial distribution of volcanoes and the ways in which high- and low-latitude volcanoes differ. Using spherical harmonic analysis, we have quantitatively compared our volcanic flux map to the surface heat flow distribution expected by modeling data of Io's tidal heat deposition (de Kleer et al. 2019). Systems of bright volcanoes were confirmed at high latitudes. Our study finds that both poles are more active than previous studies have suggested, although the south pole was viewed too infrequently to establish reliable long-term trends. While none of the tidal heat flow models match well, the asthenospheric heating model agrees best with the observed volcanic flux.Comment: The paper is in revision and this version does not reflect the current status of the paper. Once it's published, the newest version will be uploade