bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Role of Valeric Acid in Manipulating Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Liu Moting , Zhang Yao , Liu Jia , Xiang Caigui , Lu Qiukai , Lu Huimin , Yang Tao , Wang Xiaohan , Zhang Qingli , Fan Chen , Feng Chunlan , Zou Duowu , Li Heng , Tang Wei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by a complicated interaction between mucosal inflammation, epithelial dysfunction, abnormal activation of innate immune responses, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Though valeric acid (VA), one type of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), has been identified in other inflammatory disorders and cancer development, the pathological role of VA and underlying mechanism of VA in UC remain under further investigation.

Methods
Studies of human clinical specimens and experimental colitis models were conducted to confirm the pathological manifestations of the level of SCFAs from human fecal samples and murine colonic homogenates. Valeric acid–intervened murine colitis and a macrophage adoptive transfer were applied to identify the underlying mechanisms.

Results
In line with gut microbiota dysfunction in UC, alteration of SCFAs from gut microbes were identified in human UC patients and dextran sodium sulfate –induced murine colitis models. Notably, VA was consistently negatively related to the disease severity of UC, the population of monocytes, and the level of interluekin-6. Moreover, VA treatment showed direct suppressive effects on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and murine macrophages in the dependent manner of upregulation of GPR41 and GPR43. Therapeutically, replenishment of VA or adoptive transfer with VA-modulated macrophages showed resistance to dextran sodium sulfate–driven murine colitis though modulating the production of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6.

Conclusions
In summary, the research uncovered the pathological role of VA in modulating the activation of macrophages in UC and suggested that VA might be a potential effective agent for UC patients.
Hyperglycaemia is a causal risk factor for upper limb pathologies
Authors: Green Harry D , Burden Ella , Chen Ji , Evans Jonathan , Patel Kashyap , Wood Andrew R , Beaumont Robin N , Tyrrell Jessica , Frayling Timothy M , Hattersley Andrew T , Oram Richard A , Bowden Jack , Barroso Inês , Smith Christopher , Weedon Michael N 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Diabetes (regardless of type) and obesity are associated with a range of musculoskeletal disorders. The causal mechanisms driving these associations are unknown for many upper limb pathologies. We used genetic techniques to test the causal link between glycemia, obesity and musculoskeletal conditions.

Methods
In the UK Biobank’s unrelated European cohort (N = 379 708) we performed mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses to test for a causal effect of long-term high glycaemia and adiposity on four musculoskeletal pathologies: frozen shoulder, Dupuytren’s disease, carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger. We also performed single-gene MR using rare variants in the GCK gene.

Results
Using MR, we found evidence that long-term high glycaemia has a causal role in the aetiology of upper limb conditions. A 10-mmol/mol increase in genetically predicted haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) was associated with frozen shoulder: odds ratio (OR) = 1.50 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20–1.88], Dupuytren’s disease: OR = 1.17 (95% CI, 1.01–1.35), trigger finger: OR = 1.30 (95% CI, 1.09–1.55) and carpal tunnel syndrome: OR = 1.20 (95% CI, 1.09–1.33). Carriers of GCK mutations have increased odds of frozen shoulder: OR = 7.16 (95% CI, 2.93–17.51) and carpal tunnel syndrome: OR = 2.86 (95% CI, 1.50–5.44) but not Dupuytren’s disease or trigger finger. We found evidence that an increase in genetically predicted body mass index (BMI) of 5 kg/m2 was associated with carpal tunnel syndrome: OR = 1.13 (95% CI, 1.10–1.16) and associated negatively with Dupuytren’s disease: OR = 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90–0.98), but no evidence of association with frozen shoulder or trigger finger. Trigger finger (OR 1.96 (95% CI, 1.42–2.69) P = 3.6e-05) and carpal tunnel syndrome [OR 1.63 (95% CI, 1.36–1.95) P = 8.5e-08] are associated with genetically predicted unfavourable adiposity increase of one standard deviation of body fat.

Conclusions
Our study consistently demonstrates a causal role of long-term high glycaemia in the aetiology of upper limb musculoskeletal conditions. Clinicians treating diabetes patients should be aware of these complications in clinic, specifically those managing the care of GCK mutation carriers. Upper limb musculoskeletal conditions should be considered diabetes complications.
A Bayesian functional approach to test models of life course epidemiology over continuous time
Authors: Bodelet Julien , Potente Cecilia , Blanc Guillaume , Chumbley Justin , Imeri Hira , Hofer Scott , Harris Kathleen Mullan , Muniz-Terrera Graciela , Shanahan Michael 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Life course epidemiology examines associations between repeated measures of risk and health outcomes across different phases of life. Empirical research, however, is often based on discrete-time models that assume that sporadic measurement occasions fully capture underlying long-term continuous processes of risk.

Methods
We propose (i) the functional relevant life course model (fRLM), which treats repeated, discrete measures of risk as unobserved continuous processes, and (ii) a testing procedure to assign probabilities that the data correspond to conceptual models of life course epidemiology (critical period, sensitive period and accumulation models). The performance of the fRLM is evaluated with simulations, and the approach is illustrated with empirical applications relating body mass index (BMI) to mRNA-seq signatures of chronic kidney disease, inflammation and breast cancer.

Results
Simulations reveal that fRLM identifies the correct life course model with three to five repeated assessments of risk and 400 subjects. The empirical examples reveal that chronic kidney disease reflects a critical period process and inflammation and breast cancer likely reflect sensitive period mechanisms.

Conclusions
The proposed fRLM treats repeated measures of risk as continuous processes and, under realistic data scenarios, the method provides accurate probabilities that the data correspond to commonly studied models of life course epidemiology. fRLM is implemented with publicly-available software.
Familial factors rather than paternal age contribute to the aetiology of epilepsy
Authors: Wang Shi-Heng , Lin Mei-Chen , Wu Chi-Shin , Chen Pei-Chun , Thompson Wesley K , Fan Chun-Chieh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Whether paternal age associated with offspring’s epilepsy risk is a cause of de novo mutation as men age, or just an association due to confounding factors, is still unclear.

Methods
We performed a population-based, multi-generation and sibling comparison study in Taiwan, which included 2 751 232 singletons born in 2001–17 who were followed until 2020. Of these, 819 371/826 087 with information on paternal/maternal grandparents were selected for multi-generation analyses and 1 748 382 with sibling(s) were selected for sibling comparison. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
In the total cohort, there was an increased risk of epilepsy in individuals with advanced paternal age, e.g. the HR for paternal age ≥50 was1.36 (95% CI: 1.15–1.61) compared with paternal age 25–29, and fathers older than mothers, e.g. the HR for parental age difference ≥15 years was 1.29 (95% CI: 1.16–1.43). When accounting for parental age difference, the association between paternal age and epilepsy in offspring was attenuated (HR for paternal age ≥50 was 1.11, 95% CI: 0.93–1.34). Multi-generation analyses did not support the association of advanced grand-paternal age at childbirth of the parent with offspring’s risk of epilepsy. Sibling comparison analyses did not support the association of older paternal age with increased risk of epilepsy (HR was 0.96 for per year increase in paternal age, 95% CI: 0.96–0.97).

Conclusions
These results do not support the hypothesis that advanced paternal age is associated with epilepsy in offspring. Instead, familial factors may explain the observed paternal age association with the offspring’s risk of epilepsy.
Childhood physical activity and pubertal timing: findings from the LEGACY girls study
Authors: Kehm Rebecca D , Knight Julia A , Houghton Lauren C , McDonald Jasmine A , Schwartz Lisa A , Goldberg Mandy , Chung Wendy K , Frost Caren J , Wei Ying , Bradbury Angela R , Keegan Theresa H M , Daly Mary B , Buys Saundra S , Andrulis Irene L , John Esther M , Terry Mary Beth 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
There is limited research on whether physical activity (PA) in early childhood is associated with the timing of pubertal events in girls.

Methods
We used data collected over 2011–16 from the LEGACY Girls Study (n = 984; primarily aged 6–13 years at study enrolment), a multicentre North American cohort enriched for girls with a breast cancer family history (BCFH), to evaluate if PA is associated with age at thelarche, pubarche and menarche. Maternal-reported questionnaire data measured puberty outcomes, PA in early childhood (ages 3–5 years) and total metabolic equivalents of organized PA in middle childhood (ages 7–9 years). We used interval-censored Weibull parametric survival regression models with age as the time scale and adjusted for sociodemographic factors, and we tested for effect modification by BCFH. We used inverse odds weighting to test for mediation by body mass index-for-age z-score (BMIZ) measured at study enrolment.

Results
Being highly active vs inactive in early childhood was associated with later thelarche in girls with a BCFH [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.26–0.59), but not in girls without a BCFH. In all girls, irrespective of BCFH, being in the highest vs lowest quartile of organized PA in middle childhood was associated with later menarche (aHR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.50–0.97). These associations remained after accounting for potential mediation by BMIZ.

Conclusion
This study provides new data that PA in early childhood may be associated with later thelarche in girls with a BCFH, also further supporting an overall association between PA in middle childhood and later menarche.
Phylogenetic predictions of carbapenemase activity from the Guiana extended-spectrum (GES) family of β-lactamases
Authors: Barlow Miriam , Tenover Fred C 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
We investigated the amino acid substitutions in the GES family of ESBLs that were most likely to be involved in the evolution of carbapenemase activity.

Methods
To identify the substitutions that are functionally important, we analysed the evolutionary history of the GES β-lactamases using an alignment and phylogeny to identify sites in GES that show evidence of positive selection and the selected phenotypes.

Results and Conclusions
Data indicate that the substitutions G170S and G243A are associated with carbapenemase activity. The substitutions Q43E, E104K and T237A are most likely associated with ESBL activity.
Impact of maternal live yeast supplementation to sows on intestinal inflammatory cytokine expression and tight junction proteins in suckling and weanling piglets
Authors: Fu Yuechi , Li Enkai , Casey Theresa M , Johnson Timothy A , Adeola Olayiwola , Ajuwon Kolapo M 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of maternal nutrition during gestation and lactation in modulating the gastrointestinal development and health of offspring. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of live yeast (LY) supplementation to sows during late gestation and throughout lactation on markers of gut health of piglets prior to weaning and immediately postweaning. On day 77 of gestation, forty sows were allotted based on parity and expected farrowing dates to two dietary treatments: without (CON) or with (LY) supplementation at 0.05% and 0.1% of diet during gestation and lactation, respectively. On postnatal days (PND) 0, 10, 18, and postweaning days (PWD) 7 and 14, one piglet from each of 10 sows per treatment were selected for intestinal tissue collection (n = 10). Real-time PCR and western blotting analyses were used to determine the mucosal expression of immune and antioxidant-regulatory genes and tight junction markers of gut health in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Inflammatory and tight junction markers on PND 0 were not affected by maternal dietary treatment. On PND 18, maternal LY supplementation increased (P &lt; 0.05) mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and tended (P = 0.08) to increase expression of IL-10 in the ileal muocsa. Maternal LY supplementation also increased (P &lt; 0.05) expression of IL-1β in the ileal mucosa on PWD 14. Likewise, expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 was increased (P &lt; 0.05) by LY on PND 10, 18, and PWD 14, with a tendency (P = 0.09) for a greater mRNA abundance of catalase on PND 14 in the ileal mucosa. Compared to CON piglets, LY piglets had a higher (P &lt; 0.05) protein abundance of E-cadherin in the jejunal mucosa on PND 0, PWD 7, and PWD 14. Levels of occludin and claudin-4 were also higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the jejunum of LY piglets on PWD 14. No differences were found in jejunal histomorphological measurements between treatments. In conclusion, this study shows that maternal LY supplementation affects key markers of gut health and development in the offspring that may impact the future growth potential and health of newborn piglets.
The Concentration of Personal Wealth in Italy 1995–2016
Authors: Acciari Paolo , Alvaredo Facundo , Morelli Salvatore 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We estimate the distribution of wealth in Italy between 1995 and 2016 using a novel source of inheritance tax files, combined with surveys and national accounts. We find that the level of wealth concentration is in line with other European countries; however, its time trend appears more in line with the US, showing a significant increase over the period studied. The country exhibits one of the greatest declines in the wealth share of the bottom 50%. The paper also shows that age plays a marginal role in explaining wealth concentration. Changes in savings, instead, are the predominant force behind the increase in wealth inequality, even at the top. Equity prices also account for a large share of wealth growth above the 99th percentile, whereas changes in house prices play only a minor role. Finally, we document the growing concentration of life-time wealth transfers, and their increasingly favorable tax treatment.
A discussion and evaluation of statistical procedures used by JIMB authors when comparing means
Authors: Klasson K Thomas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Out of the 166 articles published in Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (JIMB) in 2019–2020 (not including special issues or review articles), 51 of them used a statistical test to compare two or more means. The most popular test was the (Standard) t-test, which often was used to compare several pairs of means. Other statistical procedures used included Fisher's least significant difference (LSD), Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD), and Welch's t-test; and to a lesser extent Bonferroni, Duncan's Multiple Range, Student–Newman–Keuls, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. This manuscript examines the performance of some of these tests with simulated experimental data, typical of those reported by JIMB authors. The results show that many of the most common procedures used by JIMB authors result in statistical conclusions that are prone to have large false positive (Type I) errors. These error-prone procedures included the multiple t-test, multiple Welch's t-test, and Fisher's LSD. These multiple comparisons procedures were compared with alternatives (Fisher–Hayter, Tukey's HSD, Bonferroni, and Dunnett's t-test) that were able to better control Type I errors.

Non-technical summary
The aim of this work was to review and recommend statistical procedures for Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology authors who often compare the effect of several treatments on microorganisms and their functions.
Biochemical changes to the inner ear contributing to diabetes-induced hearing loss: possible pharmacological targets for therapy
Authors: Gedawy Ahmed , Al-Salami Hani , Dass Crispin R 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Biochemical alterations due to diabetes development and progress are complex and diabetes-associated injury to various tissues has been well reported. Nevertheless, a close investigation of the literature demonstrates limited coverage regarding these biochemical and molecular alterations within the inner ear and their impact on the vestibulocochlear environment. A closer look at these may reveal pharmacological targets that could alleviate the severity of disease in patients.

Key findings
Tight control of glucose levels within the highly metabolic inner ear structures is crucial for their physiology and function. Impaired glucose homeostasis is well known to occur in vestibulocochlear malfunctioning. Moreover, the involvement of insulin signalling, and glucose transporters were recently confirmed in vestibulocochlear structures and are believed to play a crucial role in auditory and vestibular functions.

Conclusion
Oxidative overload, glucolipotoxicity, perturbed blood rheology, endothelial dysfunction, compromised microvascular supply, and neurotoxicity are reported in many diabetic complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy and are incriminated in the disruption of blood labyrinth barrier as well as vestibulocochlear neuritis. Dysfunctional insulin signalling was recently reported in the Organ of Corti. Insulin resistance in the inner ear niche warrants further studies to verify and uncover new pharmacological targets to manage this debilitating condition better.
Clinical rarity: simultaneous choroid plexus papilloma and extraventricular neurocytoma presenting as intraventricular hemorrhage in an adolescent
Authors: Derouen Kaleb , Shelvin Kierany , Shoap Wesley , Craver Randall , Volk Jerome , Roberts Oritsejolomi A 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We present a patient with an intraventricular hemorrhage. Imaging identified a left atrial intraventricular mass and a vague adjacent second periventricular cystic lesion. A guided trans-sulcal approach via a left parietal craniotomy resulted in a gross total resection of both lesions. These represented two distinct lesions, the periventricular cystic lesion was an extraventricular neurocytoma (EVN) and a World Health Organization grade 1 choroid plexus papilloma (CPP). The neurocytoma required methylation studies for confirmatory diagnosis. The patient had an uneventful recovery with a normal neurological exam at 12-weeks. This documents the occurrence of two distinct central nervous system tumors, a CPP and an EVN presenting with an intraventricular hemorrhage.
Severe ischaemic colitis secondary to microvenular thrombosis in a hypercoagulable patient
Authors: Moran Emily R , Trivedi Anand 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A young patient with multifactorial prothrombotic risk factors presented with signs and symptoms of ischaemic colitis, without evidence of bowel hypoperfusion on imaging. She deteriorated with trial of conservative management and required operative management. Intraoperative findings demonstrated severe, confluent large bowel necrosis, sparing the rectum. A total colectomy was performed, with return to intensive care unit due to intraoperative hemodynamic instability. A return to theatre the following day allowed for formation of ileostomy and definitive closure. Histopathological findings of microvenular thrombosis were confirmed. Venous causes of ischaemic colitis present diagnostic challenges due to variable presentation and imaging findings. Microvascular venous thrombosis is likely secondary to multifactorial prothrombotic risk factors including positive autoantibodies and variable compliance with warfarin therapy for aortic value replacement. We present this case of ischemic colitis secondary to an unusual aetiology to emphasize the need to remain clinically suspicious of severe abdominal pain despite relatively benign imaging findings.
Deep submillimetre and radio observations in the SSA22 field. II. Submillimetre source catalogue and number counts
Authors: Zeng Xin , Ao Yiping , Zhang Yuheng 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
We present the deepest 850 $\mu$m map of the SSA22 field to date, utilizing a combination of new and archival observations taken with SCUBA-2, mounted at the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). The mapped area covers an effective region of approximately 0.34 deg2, achieving a boundary sensitivity of 2 mJy beam−1, with the deepest central coverage reaching a depth of σrms ∼ 0.79 mJy beam−1, the confusion noise is estimated to be ∼ 0.43 mJy beam−1. A catalogue of 850 $\mu$m sources in the SSA22 field is generated, identifying 390 sources with signal-to-noise ratios above 3.5, out of which 92 sources exceed 5σ. The derived intrinsic number counts at 850 $\mu$m are found to be in excellent agreement with published surveys. Interestingly, the SSA22 number counts also exhibit an upturn in the brighter flux region, likely attributed to local emitters or lensing objects within the field. On the scale of ∼ 0.3 deg2, the 850 $\mu$m number counts are unaffected by cosmic variance and align with the blank field. In the deep region (σrms ≤ 1 mJy), the counts for fluxes below 8 mJy are consistent with the blank field, and the excess in the brighter regime is not significant. Due to the limited number of very bright sources and the insubstantial cosmic variance in our field, we attribute the fluctuations in the number counts primarily to Poisson noise. The SCUBA-2 850 $\mu$m detection in the SSA22 field does not exhibit indications of overdensity.
The origin of the X-ray emission from the non-starburst gas-rich luminous infrared galaxies Arp 302
Authors: Jiang Jiachen , Baker William , Young Andrew , Gallo Luigi 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
We present an analysis of the XMM–Newton observation of luminous infrared merging galaxies Arp 302 and a joint re-analysis of its Chandra observation. In particular, we focus on the more significant X-ray emitter of the pair, Arp 302N. Chandra detects significant soft X-ray emission from the hot gas in the star-forming region of Arp 302N spreading up to 12 kpc. We estimate the star formation rate of Arp 302N to be around 1–2 M⊙ yr−1 based on the X-ray luminosity of the star-forming region, similar to previous measurements at longer wavelengths. Chandra and XMM–Newton observations show evidence of a Si xiii emission line with 86 per cent confidence. Our best-fitting model infers a super-solar silicon abundance in the star-forming region, likely related to the past core-collapse supernovae in this galaxy. Similar silicon overabundance was reported in the circumstellar medium of core-collapse supernova remnants in our Galaxy. We also detect narrow Fe Kα and Fe Kβ (98.6 per cent confidence) emission lines as part of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) emission. Our best-fitting spectral model using mytorus indicates the evidence of a heavily obscured power-law emission with NH &gt; 3 × 1024 cm−2 in addition to a weak, unobscured power-law emission. The scattering fraction of the unobscured power-law emission from Compton-thin materials is 0.7 per cent. All these spectral features suggest evidence of a Seyfert 2-like AGN in Arp 302N. The X-ray measurement of its AGN activity is consistent with the previous Spitzer measurement of the same object.