bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Feasibility of Simplifying the Scanning Protocol for Spinal Metastases With Vertebral Compression Fractures Using Only the Dixon T2-Weighted Sequence
Authors: Jiang Jiuming , Miao Lei , Zhang Li , Shi Zhuo , Zhang Huanhuan , Wen Xin , Hu Sijie , Xu Libin , Gong Lihua , Li Meng 
Published: April 2024

Objective
Conventional imaging protocols, including sagittal T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and water-only T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), are time consuming when screening for spinal metastases with vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). In this study, we aimed to assess the accuracy of using only the Dixon T2-weighted sequence in the diagnosis of spinal metastases with VCFs to determine its suitability as a simplified protocol for this task.

Methods
This retrospective study included 27 patients diagnosed with spinal metastases and VCFs. Qualitative analysis was performed separately by two musculoskeletal radiologists, who independently performed diagnostic evaluations of each vertebra using both conventional and simplified protocols. McNemar's test was then used to compare the differences in diagnostic results, and Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to assess interobserver and interprotocol agreement. Diagnostic performance values for both protocols, including sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve, were then determined based on the reference standard. Quantitative image analysis was performed randomly for 30 metastases on T1WI and fat-only T2WI to measure the signal intensity, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio.

Results
The diagnosis of VCFs by both radiologists was in full agreement with the reference standard. The classification of spinal metastases and diagnostic performance values determined by both radiologists were not significantly different between the two protocols (all P > 0.05), and the consistency between observers and protocols was excellent (κ = 0.973–0.991). The contrast-to-noise ratio of fat-only T2WI was significantly higher than that of T1WI (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The Dixon T2-weighted sequence alone performed well in diagnosing spinal metastases with VCFs, performing no worse than the conventional protocol (T1WI and water-only T2WI). This suggests that the Dixon T2-weighted sequence alone can serve as a simplified protocol for the diagnosis of spinal metastases with VCFs, thereby avoiding the need for more intricate scanning procedures.
Ultralow-Dose Dynamic Expiratory CT and Repeated Imaging Enhance Evaluation for Tracheomalacia
Authors: Lee Seung Yup , Bade Brett C. , Sison Cristina P. , Karp Jason , Inra Matthew , Paul Subroto , Lee Paul , Lazzaro Richard S. , Shah Rakesh , Cohen Stuart L. 
Published: April 2024

Objective
This study aims to determine if a novel imaging protocol (ultralow-dose dynamic expiratory computed tomography [CT] with repeated imaging) identifies tracheomalacia (TM) more reliably than traditional dynamic tracheal CT.

Methods
We performed a retrospective evaluation of 184 consecutive ultralow-dose dynamic CTs for TM during 2017. The protocol obtains images during 1 inspiration and 2 forced expirations. Tracheal narrowing during both expirations (airway narrowing [percentage] during first dynamic expiration CT [DE1], airway narrowing [percentage] during second dynamic expiration CT [DE2]) was reported as a percentage of inspiratory area. We identified maximum narrowing of each patient's sequence (maximum narrowing [percentage] on either dynamic expiration CT [DEmax] = greatest narrowing of DE1 or DE2) and compared DE1, DE2, and DEmax in individual studies and between patients. Outcomes included frequency of TM, tracheal narrowing, and severity. Reliability was assessed by comparing tracheal area narrowing and TM grade.

Results
There was significantly more airway narrowing using 2 expiratory image acquisitions. Average DEmax tracheal area was 12% narrower than DE1 alone and 21% worse than DE2 alone (both P < 0.001). Using DEmax, TM was diagnosed 35% more often than DE1 alone and 31% more often than DE2 alone (P < 0.001). DEmax identified more severe distribution of TM compared with DE1 or DE2 alone (P < 0.001). Reliability between DE1 and DE2 was good for tracheal narrowing and moderate for TM grade. The mean effective radiation dose was 2.41 millisievert (mSv) for routine inspiration CT and 0.07 mSv for each dynamic expiration CT (total effective radiation, 2.55 mSv).

Conclusions
Dynamic expiration CT with 2 expiratory image acquisitions enhanced evaluation of TM, minimally increased radiation dose, and should be considered as a noninvasive screening option.
The Utility of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-11 PET in Detection and Management of Central Nervous System Neoplasms
Authors: Dawod Mina , Rush Evan , Nagib Paul B. , Aduwo Jessica , Bodempudi Pranav , Appiah-Kubi Emmanuel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe present a case series of 5 patients diagnosed with schwannoma and 1 patient diagnosed with astrocytoma who underwent PSMA PET imaging for tumor detection. We retrospectively analyzed the records of 4 male and 2 female patients (mean age, 53.2 ± 13.2) who underwent PSMA PET imaging between March and September 2023. PET interpretation showed increased Ga-PSMA-11 accumulation in all patients with a mean SUVmaxof 3.11 ± 1.8. This series underscores PSMA PET’s potential for CNS neoplasm detection.
Diagnostic Role of FDG PET/CT in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis
Authors: Xu Yanfeng , Wang Guanyun , Wang Yu , Wang Wei , Kan Ying , Yang Jigang 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), or chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis, is difficult to diagnose. The accurate diagnosis of CRMO relies on comprehensive imaging examinations because of its multifocal nature. In this regard, 18F-FDG PET/CT has demonstrated significant utility in inflammatory diseases. This study tries to determine the value of FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of CRMO.

Patients and Methods
We retrospectively collected imaging data from pediatric CRMO patients who underwent FDG PET/CT scans. Lesions exhibiting abnormal metabolism with/without structural abnormalities on FDG PET/CT were identified as CRMO lesions, and their location and SUVmax were recorded.

Results
A total of 21 pediatric patients with CRMO were included in this study. The median age at diagnosis was 9.4 years. Total 131 foci of abnormal activity were identified using FDG PET/CT imaging. The distribution pattern showed a higher prevalence of lower limbs and pelvis involvement. Among all identified lesions, abnormalities were detected on both PET and CT images of 93 lesions, whereas exclusively positive findings on 18F-FDG PET alone were observed for 38 of them.

Conclusions
Our study findings suggest a higher prevalence of lesions in the bones of the lower limbs and pelvis among children with CRMO. Compared with CT scans, FDG PET exhibits superior sensitivity in detecting these lesions.
Detection of Adenocarcinoma of the Colon on 18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT
Authors: Desai Charisma , Clark Angela , Surasi Devaki Shilpa , Flynt Lesley 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
An 85-year-old man with prostate cancer and de novo bone metastases was treated with hormonal therapy with resolution of bone lesions, improved primary disease, and improved serum tumor markers. Although on hormonal therapy, biochemical recurrence prompted performance of 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT. Fluciclovine PET/CT revealed primary prostate cancer progression with incidental note of avid foci in the colon for which colonoscopy was recommended. Colonoscopy with biopsy was performed with pathology revealing primary colon adenocarcinoma. Before reinitiation of prostate cancer therapy, segmental colon resection was performed with pathology positive for additional sites of colon cancer.
Favorable Response of 225Ac-PSMA in the Treatment of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer With High Bone Metastasis Burden
Authors: Wang Yudi , Hua Qingchu , Zhang Yu , Wang Wei , Chen Yue 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

225Ac-PSMA treatment demonstrated low hematologic toxicity for prostate cancer with diffuse red marrow infiltration. A 70-year-old man with diffuse bone metastases of castration-resistant prostate cancer received 225Ac-PSMA radiation therapy. After 1 treatment cycle, the patient’s skeletal lesions demonstrated a significant response and a significant decrease in PSA. 225Ac-PSMA may be a promising therapeutic option for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with high bone metastatic burden.
Intense FDG Uptake in Well-Differentiated Inflammatory Liposarcoma of the Retroperitoneum
Authors: Zhao Qian , Dong Aisheng , Zuo Changjing , Fang Yu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Inflammatory variant of well-differentiated liposarcoma is a rare subtype of liposarcoma, and its imaging features have been rarely reported. We describe FDG PET/CT findings in a case of well-differentiated inflammatory liposarcoma. The tumor showed no detectable fat and intense FDG uptake and caused diffuse FDG uptake of the bone marrow due to paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction. Microscopically, there were extensive inflammatory infiltrates in the tumor, which may contribute to the intense FDG uptake. This case indicates that although well-differentiated liposarcoma usually shows low-grade FDG uptake, inflammatory variant of well-differentiated liposarcoma can show intense FDG uptake mimicking high-grade liposarcoma.
18F-FDG PET/CT in Solitary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Penis
Authors: Chen Xueqi , Chen Guoqian , Li Qian , Fu Zhanli 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A 72-year-old man presented with a painless penile mass for 3 months. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed heterogeneous enhancement, whereas 18F-FDG PET/CT displayed inhomogeneous 18F-FDG accumulation in the lesion without other abnormal activity. The histopathological examination from biopsied specimen confirmed the diagnosis of a plasmacytoma. However, the subsequent tests, including serum/urine immunofixation electrophoresis, serum/urine free light chain assay, and bone marrow smear/biopsy, did not show any abnormalities. The conclusive diagnosis was a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the penis.
Multiple Ring-Enhancing Brain Lesions: Fulminant Diffuse Cerebral Toxoplasmosis or Cerebral Metastases?
Authors: De Keersmaecker Sebastiaan , Van Cauter Sofie , Bekelaar Kim 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this case report, we describe a 76-year-old woman, presenting with dizziness for the past 2 months, without other focal neurological signs. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was ordered by her GP. The MRI demonstrated multiple ring-enhancing lesions, both supratentorial and infratentorial. Lumbar puncture showed normal findings, in particular a normal cell count and culture. Because of the radiologic appearance, initially thought to be suggestive of cerebral abscesses, antibiotics were started. However, further workup revealed a new diagnosis of a stage IV (metastatic) small cell lung carcinoma, making diffuse brain metastases more likely. The patient was transferred to oncology/pneumology, where she was started on whole-brain radiotherapy, after which systemic therapy would start. However, because of further clinical deterioration, she was admitted at the palliative ward, where she died only 3 months after the initial presentation. In this case report, we emphasize the importance of keeping a broad differential diagnosis and briefly review the various possible pathologies causing ring-enhancing lesions.
UNVEILING THE PROTECTIVE MECHANISMS OF PUERARIN AGAINST ACUTE LUNG INJURY: A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLORATION OF THE ROLES AND MECHANISMS OF MST1/ERS SIGNALING
Authors: Chen Wen-xuan , Zhang Wen-long , Zhang Huan-huan , Lai Yuan-zhen , Huang Jun , Lei Yang , Liu Yan-juan , Wang Xiao-li , Deng Hua-fei 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Puerarin, the principal active constituent extracted from Pueraria, is believed to confer protection against sepsis-induced lung injury. The study aimed to elucidate the role and mechanism of Mst1/ERS in puerarin-mediated protection against acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: Monolayer vascular endothelial cell permeability was assessed by gauging the paracellular flow of FITC-dextran 40,000 (FD40). ELISA was employed for the quantification of inflammatory cytokines. Identification of target proteins was conducted through western blotting. Histological alterations and apoptosis were scrutinized using hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL staining, respectively. The ultrastructure of the endoplasmic reticulum was observed via transmission electron microscopy. Results: Puerarin significantly protected mice from LPS-induced ALI, reducing lung interstitial width, neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration, pulmonary interstitial and alveolar edema, and lung apoptosis. Puerarin treatment also markedly attenuated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in both alveolar lavage fluid and serum. Furthermore, puerarin significantly attenuated LPS-induced increases in Mst1, GRP78, CHOP, and Caspase12 protein expression and blunted LPS-induced decrease in ZO-1 protein expression in lung tissues. Puerarin obviously reduced endoplasmic reticulum expansion and vesiculation. Similarly, puerarin significantly mitigated the LPS-induced reduction in HUVEC cell viability and ZO-1 expression. Puerarin also attenuated LPS-induced increase in apoptosis, TNF-α and IL-1β, FD40 flux, and Mst1, GRP78, CHOP, and Caspase12 expression in HUVEC cells. Nevertheless, the inhibitory impact of puerarin on vascular endothelial cell injury, lung injury, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was diminished by Mst1 overexpression. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that the Mst1/ERS signaling pathway played a pivotal role in the development of LPS-induced vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and ALI. Puerarin exhibited the ability to attenuate LPS-induced vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and ALI by inhibiting the Mst1/ERS signaling pathway.
The mating ritual of a rainforest tinamou,Tinamus major
Authors: Guo Yinger , Falk Jay J. , Medina-Madrid Jorge L. , Wang Silu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe mating systems of many tropical birds remain poorly understood, especially those that elude observation in dense rainforest understories. Here we dissect mating behaviors between two Great Tinamous,Tinamus major(Tinamidae), a secretive species with a wide range across the lowland Central and South American tropics. Despite anecdotal preconceptions that males court the females, we observed courtship displays solely from the putative female tinamou. In this mating ritual recorded in their natural habitat, we observed clucking and soft-rolling songs along with a suite of courtship displays, such as neck-elongation, tail-raising, crouching, and feather-fluffing performed by the putative female. In contrast, the putative male watched while standing still, approached, walked away, and carried out a few mounting attempts. The clucking and soft-rolling songs sung by the putative female were of lower frequency, energy, and amplitude, but higher entropy than the common morning territorial songs recorded in the vicinity. The clucking song by the putative female was not previously described but we repeatedly observed this song type immediately before the soft-rolling songs during the behavioral displays. Clucking was of lower frequency and energy, and around ten times shorter than the soft-rolling songs. This behavioral auditory analysis enriches understanding of rainforest tinamou mating rituals and motivates scrutiny of the partition of courtship roles between sexes in a male parental-care mating system with little sexual dichromatism and reversed sexual size dimorphism.
Multimodal assessment of acute stress dynamics using an Aversive Video Paradigm (AVP)
Authors: Roy Sumit , Fan Yan , Mosayebi-Samani Mohsen , Claus Maren , Mutlu Nilay , Kleinsorge Thomas , Nitsche Michael A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study explored the efficacy of inducing stress through aversive video clips and investigated its impact on psychological processes, brain, and vegetative physiology. It had a randomized, single-blinded, crossover design, where participants were exposed in separate sessions to aversive or neutral video clips. Subjective feelings of stress were assessed via questionnaires. Electroencephalography (EEG) with 62 electrodes was recorded continuously. EEG power and connectivity changes based on coherence were analyzed. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) data were obtained during the whole experiment, and saliva was collected for cortisol and cytokine analysis at different time intervals. Subjective data showed increased anxiety and negative affect induced by the aversive video clips, accompanied by elevated salivary cortisol levels after exposure to the stressful clips, and decreased heart rate variability. Cytokine levels however increased over time in both control and stress conditions, which argues against a stress-specific alteration of cytokines in this specific stress protocol. EEG alterations during stress induction suggest a disruption of top-down control and increased bottom-up processing. These results show that aversive video clips are suited to induce psychological stress in an experimental setting reliably, and are associated with stress-specific emotional, and physiological changes.
H-current modulation of cortical Up and Down states
Authors: Dalla Porta Leonardo , Barbero-Castillo Almudena , Sanchez-Sanchez José Manuel , Cancino Nathalia , Sanchez-Vives Maria V. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the link between cellular processes and brain function remains a key challenge in neuroscience. One crucial aspect is the interplay between specific ion channels and network dynamics. This work reveals a role for h-current, a hyperpolarization-activated cationic current, in shaping cortical slow oscillations. Cortical slow oscillations exhibit rhythmic periods of activity (Up states) alternating with silent periods (Down states). By progressively reducing h-current in both cortical slices and in a computational model, we observed Up states transformed into prolonged plateaus of sustained firing, while Down states were also significantly extended. This transformation led to a five-fold reduction in oscillation frequency. In a biophysical recurrent network model, we identified the cellular mechanisms: an increased input resistance and membrane time constant, increasing neuronal responsiveness to even weak inputs. HCN channels, the molecular basis of h-current, are known neuromodulatory targets, suggesting potential pathways for dynamic control of brain rhythms.
Cardiaca adipokinetic hormone and hedgehog signaling combine to generate intracellular waves of Ca++in starvedDrosophila melanogasterfat body
Authors: Kang Min , Luo Anthea , Becam Isabelle , Plessis Anne , Holmgren Robert A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTheDrosophila melanogasterfat body combines the functions of the vertebrate liver and fat. It plays a central role in metabolism where it integrates information about nutritional status to regulate fat utilization. During feeding, signaling through the Insulin Receptor causes lipogenesis, while fasting leads to signaling through the cardiaca Adipokinetic Hormone Receptor (AKHR) and mobilization of lipid stores. Here we examine intracellular calcium levels in the fat body during fasting. In fasting early third instar larvae, spikes of intracellular calcium are generated in the fat body lobes on either side of the brain. These spikes propagate through a narrow connection into the main lobes of the fat body that lie along the length of the larva. The spikes of intracellular Ca++are dependent on the corpora cardiaca AKH expressing neurons and AKHR. Unexpectedly, the spikes also require Hedgehog (Hh) signaling from the midgut enterocytes and within the fat body. When Hh signaling is blocked, the Ca++levels in the fat body are elevated and the spiking behavior lost. Hh signaling appears to regulate fat body intracellular Ca++using both the transcription factor Cubitus interruptus and the trimeric G protein Gαi. AKH/Hh signaling in the fat body lobes on either side of the brain appears to function as a pulse generator to initiate Ca++spikes that then propagate through the main lobes of the fat body. These studies show how signaling from the brain and the midgut and within the fat body are integrated to regulate a key intracellular second messenger.
Increased EZH2 function in regulatory T cells promotes their capacity to suppress autoimmunity by driving effector differentiation prior to activation
Authors: Peeters Janneke G.C. , Silveria Stephanie , Ozdemir Merve , Ramachandran Srinivas , DuPage Michel 
Published: April 2024

SummaryThe immunosuppressive function of regulatory T (Treg) cells is essential for maintaining immune homeostasis. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methyltransferase, plays a key role in maintaining Treg cell function upon CD28 co-stimulation, andEzh2deletion in Treg cells causes autoimmunity. Here we assessed whether increased EZH2 activity in Treg cells would improve Treg cell function. Using an Ezh2 gain-of-function mutation,Ezh2Y641F, we found that Treg cells expressingEzh2Y641Fdisplayed an increased effector Treg phenotype and were poised for improved homing to organ tissues. Expression ofEzh2Y641Fin Treg cells led to more rapid remission from autoimmunity. H3K27me3 profiling and transcriptomic analysis revealed a redistribution of H3K27me3, which prompted a gene expression profile in naïveEzh2Y641FTreg cells that recapitulated aspects of CD28-activatedEzh2WTTreg cells. Altogether, increased EZH2 activity promotes the differentiation of effector Treg cells that can better suppress autoimmunity.HighlightsEZH2 function promotes effector differentiation of Treg cells.EZH2 function promotes Treg cell migration to organ tissues.EZH2 function in Treg cells improves remission from autoimmunity.EZH2 function poises naïve Treg cells to adopt a CD28-activated phenotype.
Repeat-based holocentromeres of the woodrushLuzula sylvaticareveal new insights into the evolutionary transition from mono- to holocentricity
Authors: Mata-Sucre Yennifer , Krátká Marie , Oliveira Ludmila , Neumann Pavel , Macas Jiří , Schubert Veit , Huettel Bruno , Kejnovský Eduard , Houben Andreas , Pedrosa-Harand Andrea , Souza Gustavo , Marques André 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlthough the centromere is restricted to a single region of the chromosome in most studied eukaryotes, members of the rush family (Juncaceae) harbor either monocentric (Juncus)or holocentric (Luzula) chromosomes. This provides an opportunity to study the evolutionary mechanisms involved in the transition to holocentricity. Here by combining chromosome-scale genome assembly, epigenetic analyses, immuno-FISH, and super-resolution microscopy, we report the occurrence of repeat-based holocentromeres inL. sylvatica. We found an irregular distribution of genes, centromeric units, and most repeats along the chromosomes. We determined the centromere function predominantly associated with two satellite DNA repeats,Lusy1andLusy2of 124– and 174-bp monomer length, respectively, while CENH3 also binds satellite-free gene-poor regions. Comparative repeat analysis revealed thatLusy1is present in mostLuzulaspecies, suggesting a conserved centromere role of this repeat. Synteny betweenL. sylvatica(n= 6) andJ. effusus(n= 21) genomes further evidenced a chromosome number reduction inLuzuladerived from multiple chromosome fusions of ancestralJ. effusus-like chromosomes. We propose that the transition to holocentricity inLuzulainvolves: (i) fusion of small chromosomes resemblingJuncus-like centromeres; (ii) expansion of atypical centromeric units; and (iii) colonization of satellite DNA for centromere stabilization.