bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low lordosis is a common finding in young lumbar disc herniation patients
Authors: Beck Joel , Brisby Helena , Baranto Adad , Westin Olof 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The sagittal alignment of the lumbar spine and pelvis can be classified into several subtypes. It has been suggested that the risk of developing certain pathologies, such as a lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is affected by spinal sagittal profiles. The main aim of this study was to investigate the sagittal profile in young patients surgically treated for a lumbar disc herniation and if a discectomy would alter the sagittal parameters.

Methods
Sixteen active young patients (mean age 18.3 ± 3.2 SD) with a lumbar disc herniation having a discectomy were included. A classification according to Roussouly of the sagittal parameters was made by two senior spinal surgeons, both pre-operatively and post-operatively on radiographs. The distribution of sagittal parameters and spinopelvic profiles were analysed and compared to a previous established healthy normal population.

Results
This series of active young patients with LDH exhibited a low lumbar lordosis dominance, with Roussouly sagittal profiles type 1 and type 2 accounting for more than 75% of the examined patients. An analysis of the erect radiographs revealed no significant changes in the post-operative sagittal profile.

Conclusions
This study showed that sagittal spinal alignment according to Roussouly in a young population with LDH is skewed compared with a normal population cohort. Furthermore, the lack of post-operative correction is suggestive of a non-ephemeral response to a LDH. Roussouly type 2 spinal sagittal profile may be a risk factor in young individuals suffering a disc herniation.
Viscosupplementation may preserve tibial cartilage and collagen in osteoarthritis: findings from a preclinical model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Lokhnauth John , Driscoll Kevin E. , Bendele Alison , Niazi Faizan , Liang Alfred , Larsen Crilles C. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Intraarticular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) injection is used to reduce pain and improve mobility in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Little is known about histopathological changes underlying HA efficacy. This study investigated dose-related effects of 1% sodium hyaluronate (BioHA) on knee joint histopathology and pain responses in a medial meniscal tear (MMT) rat model of OA.

Methods
Following MMT surgery, rats were randomized into treatment groups: single IA injection of vehicle, BioHA, or an avian-derived hyaluronic acid (hylan G-F 20) on Day 7; or 3 weekly injections of vehicle or BioHA on Days 7, 14, and 21. On Day 35, joints were evaluated by microscopic histopathology for cartilage degeneration, collagen degeneration, synovitis, and cytokine expression (tumor necrosis factor α, transforming growth factor β).

Results
Joint pathology for control animals was consistent with that expected for the MMT model. Rats treated with 3 injections of IA-BioHA had significantly reduced collagen degeneration (21%) relative to control animals. No significant change in collagen degeneration was observed for rats given a single injection of hylan G-F 20 or IA-BioHA compared to control animals. HA treatment did not affect cytokine expression.

Conclusions
IA-BioHA viscosupplementation in a rat MMT model of OA showed preservation of joint cartilage and collagen. This effect was most pronounced on tibial surfaces having less severe injury, suggesting that treatment should be initiated early in the disease process. A comparison of responses to IA-BioHA or hylan G-F 20 in the MMT rat OA model suggest IA-BioHA may be more effective in preserving joint connective tissue.
Pilot performance of a dedicated prostate PET suitable for diagnosis and biopsy guidance
Authors: Cañizares Gabriel , Gonzalez-Montoro Andrea , Freire Marta , Lamprou Efthymios , Barrio John , Sanchez Filomeno , Benlloch José M. , Hernandez Liczandro , Moliner Laura , Vidal Luis F. , Torres Irene , Sopena Pablo , Vera-Donoso Cesar D. , Bello Pilar , Barbera Julio , Gonzalez Antonio J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) represents one of the most common types of cancers facing the male population. Nowadays, to confirm PCa, systematic or multiparametric MRI-targeted transrectal or transperineal biopsies of the prostate are required. However, due to the lack of an accurate imaging technique capable to precisely locate cancerous cells in the prostate, ultrasound biopsies sample random parts of the prostate and, therefore, it is possible to miss regions where those cancerous cells are present. In spite of the improvement with multiparametric MRI, the low reproducibility of its reading undermines the specificity of the method. Recent development of prostate-specific radiotracers has grown the interest on using positron emission tomography (PET) scanners for this purpose, but technological improvements are still required (current scanners have resolutions in the range of 4–5 mm).ResultsThe main goal of this work is to improve state-of-the-art PCa imaging and diagnosis. We have focused our efforts on the design of a novel prostate-dedicated PET scanner, named ProsPET. This system has small scanner dimensions defined by a ring of just 41 cm inner diameter. In this work, we report the design, implementation, and evaluation (both through simulations and real data) of the ProsPET scanner. We have been able to achieve < 2 mm resolution in reconstructed images and high sensitivity. In addition, we have included a comparison with the Philips Gemini-TF scanner, which is used for routine imaging of PCa patients. The ProsPET exhibits better contrast, especially for rod sizes as small as 4.5 mm in diameter. Finally, we also show the first reconstructed image of a PCa patient acquired with the ProsPET.ConclusionsWe have designed and built a prostate specific PET system, with a small footprint and improved spatial resolution when compared to conventional whole-body PET scanners. The gamma ray impact within each detector block includes accurate DOI determination, correcting for the parallax error. The potential role of combined organ-dedicated prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET and ultrasound devices, as a prebiopsy diagnostic tool, could be used to guide sampling of the most aggressive sites in the prostate.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes: where do Diabetologists stand?
Authors: Tomah Shaheen , Alkhouri Naim , Hamdy Osama 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD mirrors that of obesity and type 2 diabetes over the last two decades.

Main
In a two-way pathophysiologic relationship, NAFLD increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while the latter promotes the progression of simple fatty liver to a more advanced form called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH increases the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which may require liver transplantation. With the absence of FDA-approved medications for NAFLD treatment, lifestyle intervention remains the only therapy. Lately, extensive research efforts have been aimed at modifying NASH fibrosis and developing noninvasive screening methods.

Conclusion
We highlight the pathophysiologic relationships between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes, discuss disease recognition, models of care, and current and emerging therapies for NASH treatment.
Outer retina changes on optical coherence tomography in vitamin A deficiency
Authors: Berkenstock Meghan K. , Castoro Charles J. , Carey Andrew R. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States and can be missed in patients with malabsorption syndromes without a high dose of suspicion. Ocular complications of hypovitaminosis A include xerosis and nyctalopia, and to a lesser extent reduction in visual acuity and color vision. Outer retinal changes, as seen on spectral domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT), in patients with vitamin A deficiency have previously not been documented.

Case presentation
We present two cases with symptoms of severe nyctalopia who were subsequently diagnosed with severe Vitamin A deficiency and their unique findings on SD-OCT of outer nuclear layer diffuse thinning with irregular appearance of the interdigitating zone and the ellipsoid zone as well as normalization after vitamin A supplementation.

Conclusions
Outer nuclear layer thinning and disruption of the outer retinal bands on SD-OCT are reversible with correction of vitamin A deficiency. Improvement in visual acuity, color vision, and nyctalopia are possible with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Purinergic signalling pathway: therapeutic target in ovarian cancer
Authors: Chandran Nisha , Iyer Mahalaxmi , Siama Zothan , Vellingiri Balachandar , Narayanasamy Arul 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The lack of early diagnostic tools and the development of chemoresistance have made ovarian cancer (OC) one of the deadliest gynaecological cancers. The tumour microenvironment is characterised by the extracellular release of high levels of ATP, which is followed by the activation of P1 adenosinergic and P2 purinergic signalling systems. The sequential hydrolysis of ATP by the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 generates adenosine, which creates an immune suppressive microenvironment by inhibiting the T and NK cell responses via the A2A adenosine receptor.

Main body of the abstract
In OC, adenosine-induced pAMPK pathway leads to the inhibition of cell growth and proliferation, which offers new treatment options to prevent or overcome chemoresistance. The activation of P2Y12 and P2Y1 purinergic receptors expressed in the platelets promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The inhibitors of these receptors will be the effective therapeutic targets in managing OC. Furthermore, research on these signalling systems indicates an expanding field of opportunities to specifically target the purinergic receptors for the treatment of OC.

Short conclusion
In this review, we have described the complex purinergic signalling mechanism involved in the development of OC and discussed the merits of targeting the components involved in the purinergic signalling pathway.
A critical analysis on the uncertainty computation in ground-penetrating radar-retrieved dry snow parameters
Authors: Di Paolo Federico , Cosciotti Barbara , Lauro Sebastian E. , Mattei Elisabetta , Pettinelli Elena 
Published: June 2020

The use of the ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) technique to estimate snow parameters such as thickness, density, and snow water equivalent (SWE) is particularly promising because it allows for surveying a large area in a relatively short amount of time. However, this application requires an accurate evaluation of the physical parameters retrieved from the radar measurements, which requires estimating each quantity involved in the computation along with its associated uncertainty. Conversely, the uncertainties are rarely reported in GPR snow studies, even if they represent essential information for data comparisons with other techniques such as the snow rod or snow pit methods. Snow parameters can be estimated from radar data as follows: The snow thickness can be computed from two-way traveltime if the snow average wave velocity is known; the snow density can be estimated from wave velocity using an appropriate mixing formula, and SWE can be computed once these two parameters have been calculated. Starting from published data, we have estimated the accuracy achievable by computing the overall uncertainty for each GPR-retrieved snow parameter and evaluated the influence of the different sources of uncertainties. The computation was made for three antenna frequencies (250, 500, and 1000 MHz) and various snow depths (0–5 m). We find that for snow thicknesses of less than 3 m, the main contribution to the uncertainties associated with snow parameters is given by the uncertainty on two-way traveltime estimation, especially for low antenna frequencies. However, for thicker snow depths, other factors such as the uncertainty on the antenna separation affect the overall accuracy and cannot be neglected. Our studies highlight the importance of the uncertaintiy assessment and suggest a rigorous way for their computation in the field of quantitative geophysics.
Multiscale fracture and damage zone characterization in a tight sandstone reservoir, Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Liao Zonghu , Chen Weilun , Chen Xiaofeng , Zou Huayao , Hao Fang 
Published: June 2020

Fractures within fault damage zones are crucial for the migration of subsurface fluids, which is challenging the characterization of the fractures and damage zones in the subsurface due to the lack of subsurface data. We have investigated the fractures and fault damage zones in the tight sandstone gas-bearing Xujiahe Formation in the northeast Sichuan Basin, China, based on a comprehensive study of seismic data, well log, core, as well as field observations. We have demonstrated the structure and distribution of damage zones from the basin-scale down to the microscale. The core samples find mostly opening-mode microfractures that can be subcritically generated under low tectonic stress fields since the Late Triassic-Middle Jurassic. These opening-mode microfractures in such ultra-low-permeability sandstone are likely to provide a storage volume for coal gas to accumulate. Macrofractures from image logging and outcrop display well-developed joint networks within the sandstone. The basin-wide distribution of such macrofractures implies potential conduits for gas migration during basin uplift in the Cretaceous. The damage zones are formed and controlled by a system of reverse faults, with thicknesses ranging 100–1500 m. The multiscale analysis of fractures implies that, for the tight sandstone within the Xujiahe Formation, the fractures and damage zones are likely to control the gas migration and accumulation during the tectonic transformation from the Late Cretaceous to the Quaternary Period. The overpressure history, coupled with the fracture system, enhances the redistribution of the gas reservoir. This approach and these data lead to a more in-depth understanding of the fractures and damage zones on a regional scale, which could extend to hydraulic and mechanical characterization of damage zones in the upper crust.
Characterizing damage zones of normal faults using seismic variance in the Wangxuzhuang oilfield, China
Authors: Liao Zonghu , Hu Luyao , Huang Xiaodi , Carpenter Brett M. , Marfurt Kurt J. , Vasileva Saiyyna , Zhou Yun 
Published: June 2020

We have investigated the distribution and thickness of damage zones for a system of secondary normal faults in the subsurface of the Wangxuzhuang oilfield, China. Based on seismic variance analysis, we find (1) four isolated faults with approximately 2 km length and approximately 200 m damage-zone thickness. The damage zones of these isolated faults reveal a decaying intensity of deformation from the fault core to the protolith, which fits a power-law form [Formula: see text] similar to that observed in the field. (2) A merged fault with approximately 400 m thickness. (3) A bifurcated fault with approximately 400 m thickness and three linked segments. Damage zones that consist of several subsidiary faults are thicker than those of isolated faults. The displacement-length analyses of the four isolated faults suggest the constant-length growth of the limestone in this case. We determine the potential to apply seismic variance to systematically characterize damage zones as potential fluid migration conduits on the basin scale.
Predicting Mortality Due to SARS-CoV-2: A Mechanistic Score Relating Obesity and Diabetes to COVID-19 Outcomes in Mexico
Authors: Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen , Bahena-López Jessica Paola , Antonio-Villa Neftali Eduardo , Vargas-Vázquez Arsenio , González-Díaz Armando , Márquez-Salinas Alejandro , Fermín-Martínez Carlos A , Naveja J Jesús , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos A 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak poses a challenge to health care systems due to its high complication rates in patients with cardiometabolic diseases. Here, we identify risk factors and propose a clinical score to predict COVID-19 lethality, including specific factors for diabetes and obesity, and its role in improving risk prediction.

Methods
We obtained data of confirmed and negative COVID-19 cases and their demographic and health characteristics from the General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Mexican Ministry of Health. We investigated specific risk factors associated to COVID-19 positivity and mortality and explored the impact of diabetes and obesity on modifying COVID-19-related lethality. Finally, we built a clinical score to predict COVID-19 lethality.

Results
Among the 177 133 subjects at the time of writing this report (May 18, 2020), we observed 51 633 subjects with SARS-CoV-2 and 5,332 deaths. Risk factors for lethality in COVID-19 include early-onset diabetes, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, advanced age, hypertension, immunosuppression, and chronic kidney disease (CKD); we observed that obesity mediates 49.5% of the effect of diabetes on COVID-19 lethality. Early-onset diabetes conferred an increased risk of hospitalization and obesity conferred an increased risk for intensive care unit admission and intubation. Our predictive score for COVID-19 lethality included age ≥ 65 years, diabetes, early-onset diabetes, obesity, age &lt; 40 years, CKD, hypertension, and immunosuppression and significantly discriminates lethal from non-lethal COVID-19 cases (C-statistic = 0.823).

Conclusions
Here, we propose a mechanistic approach to evaluate the risk for complications and lethality attributable to COVID-19, considering the effect of obesity and diabetes in Mexico. Our score offers a clinical tool for quick determination of high-risk susceptibility patients in a first-contact scenario.
Perinuclear mitochondrial clustering, increased ROS levels, and HIF1 are required for the activation of HSF1 by heat stress
Authors: Agarwal Saloni , Ganesh Subramaniam 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
The heat shock response (HSR) is a conserved cellular defensive response against stresses such as temperature, oxidative stress and heavy metals. A significant group of players in the HSR is the set of molecular chaperones known as heat shock proteins (HSPs), which assist in the refolding of unfolded proteins and prevent the accumulation of damaged proteins. HSP genes are activated by the HSF1 transcription factor, a master regulator of the HSR pathway. A variety of stressors activate HSF1, but the key molecular players and the processes that directly contribute to HSF1 activation remain unclear. In this study, we show that heat shock induces perinuclear clustering of mitochondria in mammalian cells, and this clustering is essential for activation of the HSR. We also show that this perinuclear clustering of mitochondria results in increased levels of reactive oxygen species in the nucleus, leading to the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). To conclude, we provide evidence to suggest that HIF-1α is one of the crucial regulators of HSF1 and that HIF-1α is essential for activation of the HSR during heat shock.
Correlation between patient-reported outcome measures and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation score in patients treated with a volar locking plate for a distal radial fracture
Authors: Choi Wan-Sun , Hwang Ji Sun , Hur Jae-Seung , Lee Chang-Hun , Kim Joo-Hak , Lee Kwang-Hyun 
Published: May 2020

Aims The aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) score in patients treated with a volar locking plate for a distal radial fracture. Methods This study was a retrospective review of a prospective database of 155 patients who underwent internal fixation with a volar locking plate for a distal radial fracture between August 2014 and April 2017. Data which were collected included postoperative PROMs (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE)), and SANE scores at one month (n = 153), two months (n = 155), three months (n = 144), six months (n = 128), and one year (n = 73) after operation. Patients with incomplete data were excluded from this study. Correlation and agreement between PROMs and SANE scores were evaluated. Subgroup analyses were carried out to identify correlations according to variables such as age, the length of follow-up, and subcategories of the PRWE score. Results The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between PROMs and SANE scores was -0.76 (p < 0.001) for DASH and -0.72 (p < 0.001) for PRWE, respectively. Limits of agreement between PROMs and ‘100-SANE’ scores were met for at least 93% of the data points. In subgroup analysis, there were significant negative correlations between PROMs and SANE scores for all age groups and for follow-up of more than six months. The correlation coefficient between PRWE subcategories and SANE score was -0.67 (p < 0.001) for PRWE pain score and -0.69 (p < 0.001) for PRWE function score, respectively. Conclusion We found a significant correlation between postoperative SANE and PROMs in patients treated with a volar locking plate for a distal radial fracture. The SANE score is thus a reliable indicator of outcome for patients who undergo surgical treatment for a radial fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):744–748.
Transepiphyseal resection for osteosarcoma in patients with open physes using MRI assessment
Authors: Kim Yongsung , Jang Woo Young , Park Jong Woong , Park Yeong Kyoon , Cho Hwan Seong , Han Ilkyu , Kim Han-Soo 
Published: May 2020

AimsFor paediatric and adolescent patients with growth potential, preservation of the physiological joint by transepiphyseal resection (TER) of the femur confers definite advantages over arthroplasty procedures. We hypothesized that the extent of the tumour and changes in its extent after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are essential factors in the selection of this procedure, and can be assessed with MRI. The oncological and functional outcomes of the procedure were reviewed to confirm its safety and efficacy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 16 patients (seven male and nine female, mean age 12.2 years (7 to 16)) with osteosarcoma of the knee who had been treated by TER. We evaluated the MRI scans before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for all patients to assess the extent of the disease and the response to treatment.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 64.3 months (25 to 148) after surgery and no patients were lost to follow-up. On MRI evaluation, 13 tumours were near but not in contact with the physes and three tumours were partially in contact with the physes before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Bone oedema in the epiphysis was observed in eight patients. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, bone oedema in the epiphysis disappeared in all patients. In total, 11 tumours were not in contact and five tumours were in partial contact with the physes. The postoperative pathological margin was negative in all patients. At the last follow-up, 12 patients were continuously disease-free and three had no evidence of disease. One patient died due to the disease. Functionally, the patients with retained allograft or recycled autograft had a mean knee range of flexion of 126° (90° to 150°). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 27.6 (23 to 30).ConclusionTER is an effective limb-salvage technique for treating malignant metaphyseal bone tumours in paediatric and young osteosarcoma patients with open physes when a good response to chemotherapy and no progression of the tumour to the epiphysis have been confirmed by MRI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):772–778.