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March-April 2025
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RNA Sequencing and Pathway analysis to understand the morbidity of Assisted Reproductive Technology-treated patients with infertility
Roya Rozati, Ayapati Gautam Mehdi, Vikram Aiman Ayapati, Aleem Ahmed Khan, Salwa Sahar Azimi, Sara Jabeen, Wajeeda Tabasum
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) is widely employed as an effective treatment for infertility. Women undergoing infertility treatments, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), face a slightly elevated risk of severe maternal morbidity. However, the long-term effects of ART-associated morbidity have not been much studied. There is a crucial need to pinpoint predictors specific to patients and treatments that influence severe maternal morbidity, potentially shaping the choice of treatment offered to a woman. AIM: This study aims to perform RNA Sequencing and pathway analysis of Breast, Ovarian, and Endometrial cancer cases that were previously on Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment, and to understand the different genes and pathways involved in the development of Cancer. Our study included cases from Ovarian, Breast, and Endometrial who were previously treated with ART. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of Ovarian, Breast, and Endometrial Cancer who were previously on Assisted Reproductive Technology treatment were collected at the Medical Health and Research Institute (MHRI) in Hyderabad. We evaluated these cases via retrospective analysis to understand the long-term morbidity of ART. The study protocol was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the MHRT. All the samples were collected after collecting consent from the patients. About 5mL of venous blood obtained from patients was centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 10min at 40C, then 10,000 rpm for 10min, within 2h of collection. The supernatant (serum) was then stored at −80◦C before use. Total RNA was isolated using miRNeasy kit (Qiagen, Germantown, MD; Cat# 217004) and submitted for RNA-seq. Samples were processed for transcriptome high through-put sequencing (Sequencer name) and subsequent bioinformatics analyses were carried out. RNA sequencing library preparation and next-generation RNA sequencing were carried out. RESULTS: This is the first study that involved molecular study of different reproductive cancer genes of ART treated patients. Our results showed up-regulation of 10 hub genes namely STAT5B, FOS, BCL2, CXCR4, JAK3, NOTCH1, TGFB1, PIK3CB, PIK3CD, and PTEN and JAK-STAT and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways as the most enriched. CONCLUSION: RNA Sequencing results showed up-regulation of 10 hub genes namely STAT5B, FOS, BCL2, CXCR4, JAK3, NOTCH1, TGFB1, PIK3CB, PIK3CD, and PTEN. We could not completely attribute the development of Cancer to the ART Treatment, but we could identify JAK-STAT and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways as the most enriched in the patients with Ovarian Cancer, Breast Cancer and Endometrial Cancer. This could help in providing personalized treatment to the patients with cancer and previously treated with ART.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 1-15 ] DOI: 10.22587/ajbas.2025.19.2.1
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The Geophysical Investigation of the Extent Of Contaminant Leachate Plume at the Ugwu Onyeama Waste Dumpsite Enugu State, Southeastern Nigeria Using 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Vertical Electrical Sounding
Gemafrances Njoku, Chukwudi Ezeh, Austin Okonkwo
ABSTRACT: Unregulated waste disposal at dumpsites poses a serious threat to the environment, particularly through the infiltration of leachate, which can contaminate soil and groundwater. Understanding the extent of this contamination is crucial for effective waste management and environmental protection.This study is based on the principles of electrical method of geophysics, specifically using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) which are well-established techniques to analyze subsurface resistivity variations, making them ideal for mapping the extent of contaminant leachate plumes. A geophysical survey was conducted at the Ugwu Onyeama waste dumpsite, Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria which lies within Latitudes N06 o 28 l 20ll to N06 o 28 l 40ll and Longitudes E007 o 26 l 10ll to E007 o 26 l 53ll covering approximately 820 m 2. The Wenner array configuration was used along five traverses with an Omega SAS 300 terrameter to measure subsurface resistance. The calculated apparent resistivities were processed using RES2DInv software to create a 2D inversion model. Additionally, a Schlumberger array with a 200 m maximum spread was used to obtain 20 VES points. These data were analyzed with IX1D software to produce 1-Dimensional (1D) resistivity curves, supporting the 2D imaging results. The 2D ERT and VES results revealed extensive leachate contamination, with low resistivity values ranging from 6.95 to 45 ohm-m, extending both laterally and vertically to depths of 13–20 meters. Areas farther from the dumpsite exhibited high resistivity values (>300 ohm-m) at depths exceeding 35 m, suggesting pollution-free zones. These findings indicate that waste accumulation significantly influences leachate migration, potentially threatening soil and groundwater quality.This study emphasizes the need for better waste management strategies to minimize environmental hazards. The use of VES and 2D ERT for contamination assessment can aid policymakers and environmental agencies in making informed decisions about remediation efforts. Furthermore, regular monitoring of dumpsites can help mitigate risks to nearby communities that rely on groundwater resources.Through the integration of VES and 2D ERT, this research offers a comprehensive way to map leachate contamination. It demonstrates how geophysical methods can be valuable tools in environmental assessments, helping researchers, environmentalists, and policymakers work toward more sustainable waste management solutions.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 16-32 ] DOI: 10.22587/ajbas.2025.19.2.2
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