bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative bone single-photon emission computed tomography imaging for uninfected nonunion: comparison of hypertrophic nonunion and non-hypertrophic nonunion
Authors: Oe Keisuke , Zeng Feibi , Fukui Tomoaki , Nogami Munenobu , Murakami Takamichi , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kuroda Ryosuke , Niikura Takahiro 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Recently, a standardized uptake value (SUV) has been used to evaluate bone single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The aim of this study was to investigate quantitative SPECT imaging of uninfected nonunion to compare hypertrophic nonunion and non-hypertrophic nonunion using volume-based parameters.

Methods
We evaluated 23 patients with uninfected nonunion who underwent SPECT acquisition 3 h after an injection of 99mTc-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate or 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate from April 2014 to November 2019. We reconstructed the acquired data and performed voxel-based quantitative analysis using the GI-BONE software. Quantitative parameters, maximum SUV (SUVmax), peak SUV (SUVpeak), and mean SUV (SUVmean) in the high and low uptake areas of nonunion were compared between hypertrophic nonunion and non-hypertrophic nonunion. The contralateral limb was used as a control, and the ratios of the quantitative parameters were calculated.

Results
The values for the quantitative parameters (high uptake area/low uptake area, respectively), SUVmax control ratio (12.13 ± 4.95/6.44 ± 4.71), SUVpeak control ratio (11.65 ± 4.58/6.45 ± 4.64), and SUVmean control ratio (11.94 ± 5.03/6.28 ± 4.95) for hypertrophic nonunion were higher than those for non-hypertrophic nonunion (7.82 ± 4.76/3.41 ± 2.09 (p = 0.065/0.12), 7.56 ± 4.51/3.61 ± 2.23 (p = 0.065/0.22), and 7.59 ± 5.18/3.05 ± 1.91 (p = 0.076/0.23)).

Conclusions
SUVmax, SUVpeak, and SUVmean control ratios obtained from bone SPECT images can quantitatively evaluate the biological activity of nonunions and may be an effective evaluation method for treatment decisions, especially the necessity of autologous bone grafting.
Rickettsia spp. in bats of Romania: high prevalence of Rickettsia monacensis in two insectivorous bat species
Authors: Matei Ioana A. , Corduneanu Alexandra , Sándor Attila D. , Ionică Angela Monica , Panait Luciana , Kalmár Zsuzsa , Ivan Talida , Papuc Ionel , Bouari Cosmina , Fit Nicodim , Mihalca Andrei Daniel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Spotted fever group rickettsiae represent one of the most diverse groups of vector-borne bacteria, with several human pathogenic species showing an emerging trend worldwide. Most species are vectored by ticks (Ixodidae), with many zoonotic reservoir species among most terrestrial vertebrate groups. While the reservoir competence of many different vertebrate species is well known (e.g. birds, rodents and dogs), studies on insectivorous bats have been rarely performed despite their high species diversity, ubiquitous urban presence and importance in harboring zoonotic disease agents. Romania has a high diversity and ubiquity of bats. Moreover, seven out of eight SFG rickettsiae species with zoonotic potential were previously reported in Romania. Based on this, the aim of this study was to detect Rickettsia species in tissue samples in bats.

Methods
Here we report a large-scale study (322 bats belonging to 20 species) on the presence of Rickettsia spp. in Romanian bat species. Tissue samples from insectivorous bats were tested for the presence of Rickettsia DNA using PCR detection amplifying a 381 bp fragment of the gltA gene. Positive results were sequenced to confirm the results. The obtained results were statistically analyzed by chi-squared independence test.

Results
Positive results were obtained in 14.6% of bat samples. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of R. monacensis in two bat species (Nyctalus noctula and Pipistrellus pipistrellus) in two locations.

Conclusion
This study provides the first evidence of a possible involvement of these bat species in the epidemiology of Rickettsia spp., highlighting the importance of bats in natural cycles of these vector-borne pathogens.

Graphical Abstract
Epigenetic signatures in cancer: proper controls, current challenges and the potential for clinical translation
Authors: Mancarella Daniela , Plass Christoph 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEpigenetic alterations are associated with normal biological processes such as aging or differentiation. Changes in global epigenetic signatures, together with genetic alterations, are driving events in several diseases including cancer. Comparative studies of cancer and healthy tissues found alterations in patterns of DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modifications, and changes in chromatin accessibility. Driven by sophisticated, next-generation sequencing-based technologies, recent studies discovered cancer epigenomes to be dominated by epigenetic patterns already present in the cell-of-origin, which transformed into a neoplastic cell. Tumor-specific epigenetic changes therefore need to be redefined and factors influencing epigenetic patterns need to be studied to unmask truly disease-specific alterations. The underlying mechanisms inducing cancer-associated epigenetic alterations are poorly understood. Studies of mutated epigenetic modifiers, enzymes that write, read, or edit epigenetic patterns, or mutated chromatin components, for example oncohistones, help to provide functional insights on how cancer epigenomes arise. In this review, we highlight the importance and define challenges of proper control tissues and cell populations to exploit cancer epigenomes. We summarize recent advances describing mechanisms leading to epigenetic changes in tumorigenesis and briefly discuss advances in investigating their translational potential.
UHRF1 downregulation promotes T follicular helper cell differentiation by increasing BCL6 expression in SLE
Authors: Liu Limin , Hu Longyuan , Yang Linxuan , Jia Sujie , Du Pei , Min Xiaoli , Wu Jiali , Wu Haijing , Long Hai , Lu Qianjin , Zhao Ming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Transcription factor B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) is a master regulator of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, which play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the mechanisms by which BCL6 expression is regulated are poorly understood. Ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1) is an important epigenetic factor that regulates DNA methylation and histone modifications. In the present study, we assessed whether UHRF1 can regulate BCL6 expression and influence the differentiation and proliferation of Tfh cells.

Results
Compared to healthy controls, the mean fluorescence intensity of UHRF1 (UHRF1-MFI) in Tfh cells from SLE patients was significantly downregulated, whereas that of BCL6 (BCL6-MFI) was significantly upregulated. In vitro, UHRF1 knockdown led to BCL6 overexpression and promoted Tfh cell differentiation. In contrast, UHRF1 overexpression led to BCL6 downregulation and decreased Tfh cell differentiation. In vivo, conditional UHRF1 gene knockout (UHRF1-cKO) in mouse T cells revealed that UHRF1 depletion can enhance the proportion of Tfh cells and induce an augmented GC reaction in mice treated with NP-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (NP-KLH). Mechanistically, UHRF1 downregulation can decrease DNA methylation and H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) levels in the BCL6 promoter region of Tfh cells.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that UHRF1 downregulation leads to increased BCL6 expression by decreasing DNA methylation and H3K27me3 levels, promoting Tfh cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo. This finding reveals the role of UHRF1 in regulating Tfh cell differentiation and provides a potential target for SLE therapy.
Early anterior cingulate involvement is seen in presymptomatic MAPT P301L mutation carriers
Authors: Clarke Mica T. M. , St-Onge Frédéric , Beauregard Jean-Mathieu , Bocchetta Martina , Todd Emily , Cash David M. , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Laforce Robert 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
PET imaging of glucose metabolism has revealed presymptomatic abnormalities in genetic FTD but has not been explored in MAPT P301L mutation carriers. This study aimed to explore the patterns of presymptomatic hypometabolism and atrophy in MAPT P301L mutation carriers.

Methods
Eighteen asymptomatic members from five families with a P301L MAPT mutation were recruited to the study, six mutation carriers, and twelve mutation-negative controls. All participants underwent standard behavioural and cognitive assessment as well as [18F]FDG-PET and 3D T1-weighted MRI brain scans. Regional standardised uptake value ratios (SUVR) for the PET scan and volumes calculated from an automated segmentation for the MRI were obtained and compared between the mutation carrier and control groups.

Results
The mean (standard deviation) estimated years from symptom onset was 12.5 (3.6) in the mutation carrier group with a range of 7 to 18 years. No differences in cognition were seen between the groups, and all mutation carriers had a global CDR plus NACC FTLD of 0. Significant reduction in [18F] FDG uptake in the anterior cingulate was seen in mutation carriers (mean 1.25 [standard deviation 0.07]) compared to controls (1.36 [0.09]). A similar significant reduction was also seen in grey matter volume in the anterior cingulate in mutation carriers (0.60% [0.06%]) compared to controls (0.68% [0.08%]). No other group differences were seen in other regions.

Conclusions
Anterior cingulate hypometabolism and atrophy are both apparent presymptomatically in a cohort of P301L MAPT mutation carriers. Such a specific marker may prove to be helpful in stratification of presymptomatic mutation carriers in future trials.
Can eosinophilia and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio predict hospitalization in asthma exacerbation?
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Hossein , Nouri Fatemeh , Nabavizadeh Seyed Hesamodin , Alyasin Soheila , Mortazavi Negar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective
Asthma is one of the most common diseases amongst children. Blood eosinophil count and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are known as markers for phenotyping asthma. This study was performed to investigate blood eosinophil count and NLR as predictors of hospitalization in pediatric asthma exacerbations.

Data sources and study selections
In this cross-sectional study, children admitted to hospital ward for more severe asthma exacerbation were compared with non-hospitalized children with moderate to severe asthma exacerbation whose asthma exacerbation was managed in emergency department or outpatient clinic. We investigated patients’ characteristic and factors associated with hospitalization.

Results
A total of 211 children with moderate to severe asthma exacerbation (mean age $$5.76 \pm 3.28$$

5.76
±
3.28

years old) were enrolled in the study including 91 hospitalized patients and 120 non-hospitalized patients. For the prediction of hospitalization, an ROC Curve analysis was performed and revealed a cut-off of 298 cells/µL and 2.52 of blood eosinophil count and NLR, respectively. In multivariate analysis, not using an asthma action plan (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.09–4.49; P = 0.027), a blood eosinophil count $$\ge$$
≥
298 (OR 8.79, 95% CI 4.44–17.4; P < 0.001) and an NLR $$\ge$$
≥
2.52 (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.09–4.14; P = 0.027) were associated with hospitalization.

Conclusion
Blood eosinophil count and NLR were found to be higher in hospitalized children with more severe asthma exacerbation compared to non-hospitalized patients. These markers can be indicators for asthma exacerbation severity.
Clonal expansion of CD4+CD8+ T cells in an adult patient with Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated Erythema multiforme majus
Authors: Volkers Sarah M. , Meisel Christian , Terhorst-Molawi Dorothea , Burbach Guido J. , Schürmann Dirk , Suttorp Norbert , Sander Leif E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundErythema multiforme (EM) is an acute, immune-mediated mucocutaneous disease, most often preceded by herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection or reactivation.Mycoplasma pneumoniae(Mp) is considered the second major trigger of EM and is often associated with an atypical and more severe presentation of disease, characterized by prominent mucosal involvement. However, contrary to HSV-associated Erythema multiforme (HAEM), immunological mechanisms of Mp-associated EM remain unclear.Case presentationWe present the case of a 50-year-old male patient presenting with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and erythema multiforme majus (EMM). Acute Mp infection was diagnosed by seroconversion, with no evidence of HSV infection as a cause of EMM. We performed immune phenotyping of blister fluid (BF) and peripheral blood (PB) T cells and detected a clonally expanded TCRVβ2+T cell population that was double positive for CD4 and CD8, and expressed the cytotoxic markers granulysin and perforin. This CD4+CD8+population comprised up to 50.7% of BF T cells and 24.9% of PB T cells. Two years prior to the onset of disease, the frequency of PB CD4+CD8+T cells had been within normal range and it gradually returned to baseline levels with the resolution of symptoms, suggesting an involvement of this population in EMM disease pathophysiology.ConclusionsThis report is the first to provide a phenotypic description of lesional T cells in Mp-associated EMM. Characterizing the local immune response might help to address pathophysiological questions and warrants further systematic research.
Pilonidal sinus of the cheek: an extremely rare clinical entity—case report and brief review of the literature
Authors: Adhikari B. N. , Khatiwada S. , Bhattarai A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Pilonidal sinus is commonly seen at the sacrococcygeal region and few other sites, usually located at the midline, at areas where hairs collect or near protuberances or some adjacent rubbing surfaces. Its presence elsewhere is uncommon. We share an interesting case of a recurrent discharging sinus from the cheek bulge of a male which turned out to be a pilonidal sinus containing tuft of hairs on exploration and wide excision.

Case presentation
A 37 years old hirsute male presents to us with a non-healing discharging sinus at the bulge of the cheek. Exploration after a course of antibiotics showed 2 subcutaneous cavities with tuft of hairs. The area was excised along with a margin, thorough irrigation and curettage was done and the wound was closed primarily; a Z-plasty was incorporated in the central part to break the resultant suture line. Histopathological examination was done to confirm the diagnosis and rule out an off-midline dermoid cyst or an underlying/coexisting malignancy. Post-operative course was uneventful. The patient has been recurrence free for 1.5 years and is satisfied with the nature of the scar.

Conclusions
Pilonidal sinus of the cheek bulge is an extremely rare entity. Complete excision and clinical suspicion are important for cure of this nagging ailment, especially at unexpected areas.
Interim 4′-[methyl-11C]-thiothymidine PET for predicting the chemoradiotherapeutic response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: comparison with [18F]FDG PET
Authors: Mitamura Katsuya , Norikane Takashi , Yamamoto Yuka , Fujimoto Kengo , Takami Yasukage , Hoshikawa Hiroshi , Toyohara Jun , Nishiyama Yoshihiro 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
We investigated the potential of interim 4′-[methyl-11C]thiothymidine ([11C]4DST) PET for predicting the chemoradiotherapeutic response for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), in comparison with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) PET.

Methods
A total of 32 patients with HNSCC who underwent both [11C]4DST and [18F]FDG PET/CT before therapy (baseline) and at approximately 40 Gy point during chemoradiotherapy (interim) were available for a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. The baseline was treatment-naïve PET/CT scan as part of staging. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) from [18F]FDG PET or proliferative tumor volume (PTV) from [11C]4DST PET, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) from [18F]FDG PET or total lesion proliferation (TLP) from [11C]4DST PET were measured. MTV or PTV was defined as the volume with an SUVmax greater than 2.5. The differences in SUVmax (ΔSUVmax), MTV (ΔMTV) or PTV (ΔPTV) and TLG (ΔTLG) or TLP (ΔTLP) from baseline to interim PET scans were calculated. Patients without or with evidence of residual or recurrent disease at 3 months after completion of chemoradiotherapy were classified as showing a complete response (CR) and non-CR, respectively.

Results
All patients showed increased uptake in primary tumor on baseline [11C]4DST and [18F]FDG PET studies. All patients showed increased uptake on interim [18F]FDG PET, whereas 18 patients showed no increased uptake on interim [11C]4DST PET. After chemoradiotherapy, 25 patients were found to be in CR group and 7 to be in non-CR group. [11C]4DST ΔSUVmax, ΔPTV, and ΔTLP for CR group showed significantly greater reductions than the corresponding values for non-CR group (P = 0.044, < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in [18F]FDG ΔSUVmax, ΔMTV, or ΔTLG between CR group and non-CR group. [11C]4DST ΔMTV of -90 was the best cutoff value for the early identification of patients with non-CR.

Conclusion
These preliminary results suggest that interim [11C]4DST PET might be useful for predicting the chemoradiotherapeutic response in patients with HNSCC, in comparison with [18F]FDG PET.
High levels of genetic diversity and an absence of genetic structure among breeding populations of the endangered Rufous-backed Bunting in Inner Mongolia, China: implications for conservation
Authors: Li Shi , Li Dan , Zhang Lishi , Shang Weiping , Qin Bo , Jiang Yunlei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe Rufous-backed Bunting,Emberiza jankowskii, is an endangered species that is primarily distributed in Inner Mongolia, China. The main threats to the continued persistence of this species are habitat loss and degradation. However, the impact of population loss on genetic diversity remains unclear. To support future conservation and management efforts, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure ofE. jankowskiiusing mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 7‒8-day-old nestlings in Inner Mongolia, China between May and August of 2012 and 2013. Mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic diversity, genetic structure and inbreeding ofE. jankowskii. The results of genetic diversity and inbreeding were compared to other avian species.ResultsWe found an unexpectedly high level of genetic diversity in terms of mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite compared to other avian species. However, there were high levels of gene flow and minimal genetic structuring, among the fragmented breeding populations ofE. jankowskiiin Inner Mongolia. These findings suggest thatE. jankowskiiin Inner Mongolia is a metapopulation. Despite the high genetic diversity ofE. jankowskii, local populations in each small patch remain at risk of extinction due to habitat loss. In addition, theE. jankowskiipopulation has a high risk of inbreeding.ConclusionsTo minimize further loss of genetic diversity of this endangered species, we suggest that theE. jankowskiiin Inner Mongolia should be considered as a protected species for management purposes. Conservation efforts should concentrate onE. jankowskiihabitat management. This may be most effectively achieved by protecting the current breeding habitats and prohibiting over-grazing.
Two cases of intraoperative hemodynamic instability during combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic surgery for esophagogastric junction carcinoma
Authors: Tani Makiko , Matsuoka Yoshikazu , Sugihara Mayu , Fujii Ayaka , Kanazawa Tomoyuki , Morimatsu Hiroshi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Intraoperative complications during combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic surgery for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) carcinoma have not been reported as compared to those during surgery for esophageal carcinoma. We present two cases which had surgery-related hemodynamic instability during laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and intra-mediastinal valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy (vEG) with thoracoscopic mediastinal lymphadenectomy for EGJ carcinoma.

Case presentation
In case 1, the patient fell into hypotension with hypoxemia during laparoscopic vEG due to pneumothorax caused by entry of intraabdominal carbon dioxide. In case 2, ventricular arrythmia and ST elevation occurred during laparoscopic vEG. Pericardium retraction to secure surgical field during reconstruction compressed the coronary artery, which caused coronary malperfusion. These two events were induced by the surgical procedure, characterized by the following: (1) connection of the thoracic and abdominal cavities and (2) cardiac displacement during vEG.

Conclusion
These cases indicated tension pneumothorax and coronary ischemia are possible intraoperative complications specific to combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic surgery for EGJ carcinoma.
Tube-wave monitoring as a method to detect shear modulus changes around boreholes: A case study
Authors: Wehner Daniel , Borges Filipe , Landrø Martin 
Published: February 2021

Monitoring the shear modulus of formations around boreholes is of interest for various applications, ranging from near-surface investigation to reservoir monitoring. Downhole logging tools and borehole seismic are common techniques applied to measure and characterize formation properties. These methods rely on transmitted and reflected waves to retrieve the rock properties. Wave modes traveling along the interface between the well and the formation, such as tube waves, are often considered as noise. However, tube waves are less attenuated than body waves and contain information about the shear modulus of the formation surrounding the well. Hence, a potential use of this interface wave is of interest. Because tube-wave properties depend on several parameters, e.g., well geometry, highly accurate measurements should be performed for use in inferring rock properties. We have studied the feasibility of tube-wave measurements as a monitoring method. Different experiments are conducted using a hydrophone array in two boreholes, with depths of 30 and 95 m. The experiments are used to investigate how accurately the tube-wave velocity can be measured and which parameters have the most impact on the measurements. Our results suggest that it is hard to estimate the absolute shear modulus of the geologic formation using tube-wave velocities only. However, it seems feasible to use them to monitor changes in the shear modulus, depending on the borehole setup and the geologic formation. Tube-wave monitoring can be used as a first step to determine the depth along the well where changes occur before more accurate measurements are performed in a second step.