bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture exerts an anti-migraine effect via modulation of the 5-HT7 receptor in the conscious rat
Authors: Pei Pei , Liu Lu , Zhao Luo-Peng , Qu Zheng-Yang , Tang Chu-Ying , Wang Lin-Peng , Yang Wenming 
Published: March 2021

Background: Acupuncture has been recommended as an alternative therapy for migraine. Emerging evidence suggests that the 5-HT7 receptor (5-HT7R) plays a significant facilitatory role in descending modulation in migraine pathophysiology, and that activation of 5-HT7R in the descending pathway is involved in migraine central sensitisation. Objective: To investigate the ability of electroacupuncture (EA) to ameliorate central sensitisation via modulation of 5-HT7R in the descending pain pathways using a rat model of migraine induced by repetitive dural electrical stimulation (DES). Design: 64 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Normal group; DES group (receiving dural electrical stimulation only); DES+GB20 group (DES model group treated with EA at GB20); and DES+Sham group (DES model group treated with EA at a non-traditional (sham) acupuncture point). The presence of cutaneous allodynia was determined by measuring facial and hind-paw withdrawal latencies to electronic von-Frey. The expression of 5-HT7R in the descending pathways (periaqueductal grey, raphe magnus nucleus, and trigeminal nucleus caudalis) was assessed using immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Results: Facial and hind-paw withdrawal thresholds were significantly increased in the DES+GB20 group compared with the untreated DES group. The expression of 5-HT7R was significantly decreased in the DES+GB20 group compared with the DES group (one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), P<0.05). No significant differences in behaviour or expression were found between the rats in the DES+Sham group and the untreated DES group (one-way ANOVA, P>0.05). Conclusion: EA at GB20 may ameliorate central sensitisation in migraine by inhibiting the activation of 5-HT7 receptors in the descending pain pathway in a rat model of migraine.
Acupuncture at PC6 prevents cardiac hypertrophy in isoproterenol-treated mice
Authors: Zhang Miao , Du Qigen , Yang Fubiao , Guo Ying , Hou Yunlong , Zhu Pengyu 
Published: March 2021

Objectives: To investigate the effect of acupuncture at PC6 on cardiac hypertrophy in isoproterenol (ISO)-treated mice. Methods: 48 male C57BL/6 mice underwent subcutaneous injection of ISO for 14 days and were randomly divided into four groups (n=12 each) that remained untreated (ISO group), received verum manual acupuncture (MA) treatment at PC6 (ISO+MA(PC6) group), sham MA at location on the tail not corresponding to any traditional acupuncture point (ISO+MA(tail) group), or propranolol (ISO+PR group). An additional 12 mice were given an injection of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and formed a healthy control (Normal) group. After performing echocardiography and measuring the ratio of heart weight (HW)/tibia length (TL) at 14 days, all mice were euthanased. Morphological examination was performed following haematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s staining of heart tissues. Ultrastructural changes were observed by electron microscopy. Cardiac protein expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) were measured by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and Western blotting. Results: Compared with the untreated model group, acupuncture at PC6 lowered the heart rate, reduced the ratio of HW/TL, improved the left ventricular (LV) anterior wall thickness (LVAWd), LV end-diastolic anterior wall thickness (LVAWs), LV end-systolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), LV end-diastolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWs), and fractional shortening (FS) as observed by echocardiography (ISO+MA(PC6) vs. ISO groups: P<0.05). Moreover, evidence from morphological studies demonstrated that acupuncture at PC6 inhibited myocardial hypertrophy and collagen deposition, and normalised the ultrastructural changes. In addition, ANP and TNFα expression were attenuated in the verum acupuncture group compared with the untreated model group (ISO+MA(PC6) vs. ISO groups: P<0.05). Conclusions: The results demonstrated that acupuncture at PC6 attenuates sympathetic overactivity. Additionally, it may improve cardiac performance by reversing adverse cardiac remodelling. Acupuncture has potential as a treatment for sympathetic hypertension.
Electroacupuncture inhibits mast cell degranulation via cannabinoid CB2 receptors in a rat model of allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Lu Min , Ren Jie , Wu Xiaoxue , Long Man , Chen Longyun , Chen Zebin 
Published: March 2021

Objective: Cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2Rs) are mainly present on immune cells including mast cells, which participate in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). In this study, we aimed to investigate whether inhibition of mast cell degranulation was involved in the anti-ACD effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 via CB2R. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were sensitised and challenged with DNFB following EA stimulation for 1 week. Ear swelling, serum IgE levels, local cytokine production and mast cell infiltration were evaluated. Additionally, rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) were isolated and cultured for detection of CB2R expression, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling activation and mast cell degranulation (including β-hexosaminidase and histamine release) in the presence or absence of CB2R antagonists. Results: EA treatment inhibited ear swelling, suppressed IgE and cytokine production, decreased the number of mast cells and curbed mast cell degranulation, which was associated with the inhibition of p38 phosphorylation in DNFB-induced ACD. Importantly, EA enhanced the expression of CB2R mRNA and protein in the RPMCs. CB2R antagonist AM630 but not CB1R antagonist AM251 effectively reversed the suppressive effect of EA on p38 activation, mast cell infiltration and degranulation. Conclusion: These findings provide more evidence to support the hypothesis that EA promotes CB2R expression in mast cells, which is followed by inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway, potentially resulting in the anti-ACD effect of EA. This suggests that EA at ST36 may be an effective candidate therapy for treating inflammatory skin diseases such as ACD.
Effects of electroacupuncture on anxiety and depression in unmarried patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: secondary analysis of a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Zhi , Dong Haoxu , Wang Qing , Zhang Lina , Wu Xiaoke , Zhou Zhongming , Yang Li , Huang Dongmei 
Published: March 2021

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) for the treatment of anxiety and depression in unmarried patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial. Methods: A prospective pilot randomised controlled trial of unmarried women with PCOS was conducted from November 2012 to March 2016. Participants were assigned to the acupuncture group (receiving EA for 16 weeks) or the control group (receiving sham acupuncture for 16 weeks), with 27 patients in each group. The pre-specified primary outcomes and all secondary outcomes, with the exception of serum levels of neurotransmitters including norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (AD), serotonin (5-HT) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), will be reported separately. Additional outcome measures selected for this secondary analysis included anxiety and depression scale scores (Zung-SAS and Zung-SDS), 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) scale scores, PCOS Quality of Life (PCOSQOL) scale scores and Chinese Quality of Life (CHQOL) scale scores. Results: After the16-week intervention, an increase in serum NE and reduction in 5-HT were observed in the acupuncture group (P=0.028 and P=0.023, respectively). The serum level of GABA decreased in both groups after the interventions (both P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the levels of any neurotransmitters (p>0.05). After EA treatment, SAS and SDS scores were decreased in the acupuncture group (P=0.007 and P=0.027, respectively) and were lower than those of the control group (P=0.003 and P=0.004, respectively). The SF-36 domain scores for mental health, vitality, social functioning, general health and health transition, the total CHQOL scores, and the infertility problems and body hair domains of the PCOSQOL improved significantly after EA (P<0.05). Conclusion: EA appears to improve symptoms of anxiety/depression and quality of life in PCOS patients and may influence serum levels of NE and 5-HT. These findings should be interpreted with caution, given the secondary nature of the outcome measures reported herein. Trial registration number: NCT01812161; ChiCTR-TRC-12002529
Relationship between muscle spindles and myofascial trigger spots according to Hoffmann reflex pathway and tissue morphology characteristics in a rat model
Authors: Liu Lin , Huang Qiang-Min , Liu Qing-Guang , Nguyen Thi-Tham , Yan Jian-Qin , Bo Cheng-Zhi 
Published: March 2021

Objectives:To determine how muscle spindles are involved in the pathophysiology of chronic myofascial trigger spots (MTrSs, similar to myofascial trigger points) in a rat injury model according to the characteristics of the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) and the anatomical relationship between muscle spindles and MTrSs.Methods:16 male Sprague-Dawley rats (7 weeks old) were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. A blunt strike injury and eccentric exercise were applied to the gastrocnemius muscle of rats in the experimental group once a week for 8 weeks as a MTrS modelling intervention. Subsequently, the rats were reared normally and rested for 4 weeks. At the end of the 12th week, the rats were examined for the presence of MTrSs defined by the detection of a palpable taut band exhibiting both a local twitch response and spontaneous electrical activity. After modelling, evocation of the H-reflex and morphological examination of muscle spindles and MTrSs were conducted.Results:The threshold (0.35±0.04 mA) of the H-reflex and latency (1.24±0.18 ms) of the M wave recorded at MTrSs were not significantly different to those at non-MTrSs (P>0.05). Compared with non-MTrSs, a lower Mmax (4.28±1.27 mV), higher Hmax (median (IQR) 0.95 (0.80–1.08) mV) and Hmax/Mmax (median (IQR) 0.21 (0.16–0.40)), and shorter H wave latency (4.60±0.89 ms) were recorded at MTrSs (P<0.05). Morphologically, there was a close anatomical relationship between the MTrS cells and the muscle spindles.Discussion:Compared with normal muscles, the H-reflex myoelectrical activity was enhanced and some muscle spindles might have been influenced by active MTrSs. Thus, muscle spindles may play an important role in the pathological mechanism underlying myofascial trigger points.
Construction of the cosmological model with periodically distributed inhomogeneities with growing amplitude
Authors: Sikora Szymon , Głód Krzysztof 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe construct an approximate solution to the cosmological perturbation theory around Einstein–de Sitter background up to the fourth-order perturbations. This could be done with the help of the specific symmetry condition imposed on the metric, from which follows that the model density forms an infinite, cubic lattice. To verify the convergence of the perturbative construction, we express the resulting metric as a polynomial in the perturbative parameter and calculate the exact Einstein tensor. In our model, it seems that physical quantities averaged over large scales overlap with the respective Einstein–de Sitter prediction, while local observables could differ significantly from their background counterparts. As an example, we analyze the behavior of the local measurements of the Hubble constant and compare them with the Hubble constant of the homogeneous background model. A difference between these quantities is important in the context of a current Hubble tension problem.
Generalized spinning particles on $${\mathcal {S}}^2$$ in accord with the Bianchi classification
Authors: Galajinsky Anton 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMotivated by recent studies of superconformal mechanics extended by spin degrees of freedom, we construct minimally superintegrable models of generalized spinning particles on $${\mathcal {S}}^2$$

S

2

, the internal degrees of freedom of which are represented by a 3-vector obeying the structure relations of a three-dimensional real Lie algebra. Extensions involving an external field of the Dirac monopole, or the motion on the group manifold of SU(2), or a scalar potential giving rise to two quadratic constants of the motion are discussed. A procedure how to build similar models, which rely upon real Lie algebras with dimensions $$d=4,5,6$$

d
=
4
,
5
,
6

, is elucidated.
Microhydration of ionized building blocks of DNA/RNA: infrared spectra of pyrimidine$$^{+}$$-$$(\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O})_{\text {1-3}}$$ clusters
Authors: Chatterjee Kuntal , Dopfer Otto 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Hydration of biomolecules is an important physiological process that governs their structure, stability, and function. Herein, we probe the microhydration structure of cationic pyrimidine (Pym), a common building block of DNA/RNA bases, by infrared photodissociation spectroscopy (IRPD) of mass-selected microhydrated clusters, $$\hbox {Pym}^{+}$$

Pym
+

-$$\hbox {W}_{n}$$

W
n

(W=$$\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O}$$

H
2

O

), in the size range $$n=1$$

n
=
1

–3. The IRPD spectra recorded in the OH and CH stretch range are sensitive to the evolution of the hydration network. Analysis with density functional theory calculations at the dispersion-corrected B3LYP-D3/aug-cc-pVTZ level provides a consistent picture of the most stable structures and their energetic and vibrational properties. The global minima of $$\hbox {Pym}^{+}$$

Pym
+

-$$\hbox {W}_{n}$$

W
n

predicted by the calculations are characterized by H-bonded structures, in which the H-bonded $$\hbox {W}_{n}$$

W
n

solvent cluster is attached to the most acidic C4–H proton of $$\hbox {Pym}^{+}$$

Pym
+

via a single CH...O ionic H-bond. These isomers are identified as predominant carrier of the IRPD spectra, although less stable local minima provide minor contributions. In general, the formation of the H-bonded solvent network (exterior ion solvation) is energetically preferred to less stable structures with interior ion solvation because of cooperative nonadditive three-body polarization effects. Progressive hydration activates the C4–H bond, along with increasing charge transfer from $$\hbox {Pym}^{+}$$

Pym
+

to $$\hbox {W}_{n}$$

W
n

, although no proton transfer is observed in the size range $$n\leqslant $$

n
⩽

3. The solvation with protic, dipolar, and hydrophilic W ligands is qualitative different from solvation with aprotic, quadrupolar, and hydrophobic $$\hbox {N}_{2}$$

N
2

ligands, which strongly prefer interior ion solvation by $$\uppi $$
π
stacking interactions. Comparison of $$\hbox {Pym}^{+}$$

Pym
+

-W with Pym-W and $$\hbox {H}^{+}$$

H
+

Pym-W reveals the drastic effect of ionization and protonation on the Pym...W interaction.

Graphic Abstract
Amplifying the Voice of the Whispering Cancer
Authors: Dhani Neesha C. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Nontargeted circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) whole-genome sequencing is a novel strategy for genomic characterization of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Changes in ctDNA levels are a sensitive indicator of disease burden with an average lead time of 6 months to clinical progression. This presents a unique opportunity to identify pathways driving progression as molecular vulnerabilities for clinical drug development.
See related article by Paracchini et al., p. 2549
Francis Bacon’s “Perceptive” Instruments
Authors: Jalobeanu Dana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper claims that one way to bridge the gap between Francis Bacon’s speculative philosophy and his natural historical and experimental investigations is by looking at his peculiar top-down strategy of measuring Nature. Key to this strategy is the construction of perceptive instruments, i.e., devices “subtle enough” to detect and map natural limits, powers and virtues. In this paper, I discuss some of Bacon’s ideas for the development of perceptive instruments, and I show how his particular investigative strategy leads to the construction of an interesting and insufficiently investigated operational vocabulary. I focus on two particular terms of this vocabulary, “orbs of virtue” and “perception.” I show that, although originating in a natural-philosophical context, both terms acquire new, operational meanings in Bacon’s late natural histories. They vindicate the use of instruments and provide the necessary tools for a complex and interesting top-down approach to measuring Nature.
What Did Hooke Want from the Microscope? Magnification, Matter Theory and Mechanism
Authors: Lawson Ian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This article discusses Hooke’s microscopy in the context of the nature of his explanations of natural phenomena. It illustrates that while Hooke’s particular conception of microscopy certainly cohered with his general framework of mechanical philosophy, he thought of his microscope as an artisanal tool that could help him examine unknown natural machinery. It seems, however, that he never used magnifying lenses with the hope of confirming mechanism by glimpsing fundamental particles. Indeed, through a consideration of sources spanning from his 1665 Micrographia to a lecture delivered in the 1690s, it seems Hooke did not believe such particles existed and thought microscopic and macroscopic bodies arose through the same natural processes, though could have very different properties from one another.
Jesuits and Conversos in Sixteenth-Century Toledo
Authors: Martín López David 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the early days of the Society of Jesus, the city of Toledo was among the locations where the affinity between the order and the local population of Jewish converts was most patent. Bolstered by members of the most prominent converso lineages, such as the de la Palma and Hurtado families, the order grew exponentially in the final decades of the sixteenth century. Additionally, the Jesuits were active in the controversy surrounding the endorsement of the statutes of purity of blood. They opposed Cardinal Silíceo both directly—by means of their attempts to settle in the city—and indirectly—through their ties with his main detractors in the cathedral council. They also played a prominent role in the memorialist crisis before the eventual approval of the statutes of purity of blood in the Society of Jesus.
On the Hyperbolicity of the Bulk Air–Sea Heat Flux Functions: Insights into the Efficiency of Air–Sea Moisture Disequilibrium for Tropical Cyclone Intensification
Authors: Jaimes de la Cruz Benjamin , Shay Lynn K. , Wadler Joshua B. , Rudzin Johna E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSea-to-air heat fluxes are the energy source for tropical cyclone (TC) development and maintenance. In the bulk aerodynamic formulas, these fluxes are a function of surface wind speed U10 and air–sea temperature and moisture disequilibrium (ΔT and Δq, respectively). Although many studies have explained TC intensification through the mutual dependence between increasing U10 and increasing sea-to-air heat fluxes, recent studies have found that TC intensification can occur through deep convective vortex structures that obtain their local buoyancy from sea-to-air moisture fluxes, even under conditions of relatively low wind. Herein, a new perspective on the bulk aerodynamic formulas is introduced to evaluate the relative contribution of wind-driven (U10) and thermodynamically driven (ΔT and Δq) ocean heat uptake. Previously unnoticed salient properties of these formulas, reported here, are as follows: 1) these functions are hyperbolic and 2) increasing Δq is an efficient mechanism for enhancing the fluxes. This new perspective was used to investigate surface heat fluxes in six TCs during phases of steady-state intensity (SS), slow intensification (SI), and rapid intensification (RI). A capping of wind-driven heat uptake was found during periods of SS, SI, and RI. Compensation by larger values of Δq > 5 g kg−1 at moderate values of U10 led to intense inner-core moisture fluxes of greater than 600 W m−2 during RI. Peak values in Δq preferentially occurred over oceanic regimes with higher sea surface temperature (SST) and upper-ocean heat content. Thus, increasing SST and Δq is a very effective way to increase surface heat fluxes—this can easily be achieved as a TC moves over deeper warm oceanic regimes.
3D‐Printed Models for Temporal Bone Surgical Training: A Systematic Review
Authors: Frithioff Andreas , Frendø Martin , Pedersen David Bue , Sørensen Mads Sølvsten , Wuyts Andersen Steven Arild 
Published: March 2021

Objective3D‐printed models hold great potential for temporal bone surgical training as a supplement to cadaveric dissection. Nevertheless, critical knowledge on manufacturing remains scattered, and little is known about whether use of these models improves surgical performance. This systematic review aims to explore (1) methods used for manufacturing and (2) how educational evidence supports using 3D‐printed temporal bone models.Data SourcesPubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.Review MethodsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, relevant studies were identified and data on manufacturing and validation and/or training extracted by 2 reviewers. Quality assessment was performed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument tool; educational outcomes were determined according to Kirkpatrick’s model.ResultsThe search yielded 595 studies; 36 studies were found eligible and included for analysis. The described 3D‐printed models were based on computed tomography scans from patients or cadavers. Processing included manual segmentation of key structures such as the facial nerve; postprocessing, for example, consisted of removal of print material inside the model. Overall, educational quality was low, and most studies evaluated their models using only expert and/or trainee opinion (ie, Kirkpatrick level 1). Most studies reported positive attitudes toward the models and their potential for training.ConclusionManufacturing and use of 3D‐printed temporal bones for surgical training are widely reported in the literature. However, evidence to support their use and knowledge about both manufacturing and the effects on subsequent surgical performance are currently lacking. Therefore, stronger educational evidence and manufacturing knowhow are needed for widespread implementation of 3D‐printed temporal bones in surgical curricula.