bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acetaldehyde via CGRP receptor and TRPA1 in Schwann cells mediates ethanol-evoked periorbital mechanical allodynia in mice: relevance for migraine
Authors: Landini Lorenzo , Souza Monteiro de Araujo Daniel , Chieca Martina , De Siena Gaetano , Bellantoni Elisa , Geppetti Pierangelo , Nassini Romina , De Logu Francesco 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Ingestion of alcoholic beverages is a known trigger of migraine attacks. However, whether and how ethanol exerts its pro-migraine action remains poorly known. Ethanol stimulates the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel, and its dehydrogenized metabolite, acetaldehyde, is a known TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) agonist.

Methods
Periorbital mechanical allodynia following systemic ethanol and acetaldehyde was investigated in mice after TRPA1 and TRPV1 pharmacological antagonism and global genetic deletion. Mice with selective silencing of the receptor activated modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), a component of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, in Schwann cells or TRPA1 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons or Schwann cells, were used after systemic ethanol and acetaldehyde.

Results
We show in mice that intragastric ethanol administration evokes a sustained periorbital mechanical allodynia that is attenuated by systemic or local alcohol dehydrogenase inhibition, and TRPA1, but not TRPV1, global deletion, thus indicating the implication of acetaldehyde. Systemic (intraperitoneal) acetaldehyde administration also evokes periorbital mechanical allodynia. Importantly, periorbital mechanical allodynia by both ethanol and acetaldehyde is abrogated by pretreatment with the CGRP receptor antagonist, olcegepant, and a selective silencing of RAMP1 in Schwann cells. Periorbital mechanical allodynia by ethanol and acetaldehyde is also attenuated by cyclic AMP, protein kinase A, and nitric oxide inhibition and pretreatment with an antioxidant. Moreover, selective genetic silencing of TRPA1 in Schwann cells or DRG neurons attenuated periorbital mechanical allodynia by ethanol or acetaldehyde.

Conclusions
Results suggest that, in mice, periorbital mechanical allodynia, a response that mimics cutaneous allodynia reported during migraine attacks, is elicited by ethanol via the systemic production of acetaldehyde that, by releasing CGRP, engages the CGRP receptor in Schwann cells. The ensuing cascade of intracellular events results in a Schwann cell TRPA1-dependent oxidative stress generation that eventually targets neuronal TRPA1 to signal allodynia from the periorbital area.
Short-term exposure to ambient fine particulate pollution aggravates ventilator-associated pneumonia in pediatric intensive care patients undergoing cardiovascular surgeries
Authors: Cui Zhaomei , Ma Yingying , Yu Yuanyuan , Li Na , Wang Jun , Wang Anbiao , Tan Qi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Ambient air pollutants can be hazardous to human health, especially for vulnerable children. The impact of ambient air pollutant exposure before and during intensive care unit (ICU) stays on the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill children has not been established. We aimed to determine the correlations between short-term exposures to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and VAP in pediatric cardiac surgery patients in the ICU, and explore the effect of delayed exposure.

Methods
The medical record of 1755 child patients requiring artificial ventilation in the ICU between December 2013 to December 2020, were analyzed. The daily average concentrations of particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) were calculated from public data. Interactions between these pollutants and VAP were simulated with the distributed lag non-linear model.

Results
Three hundred forty-eight cases (19.829%) of VAP were identified in this study, while the average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, O3 and SO2 were 58, 118, 98 and 26 μg/m3, respectively. Exposure to increased levels of PM2.5 two days prior (lag 2-day) to VAP diagnosis is significantly correlated with an enhanced risk for VAP development. Even a slight increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5 can translate to a 5.4% increase in VAP incidence (95% CI: 1.4%-9.5%) while the VAP incidence increased to 11.1% (95%CI: 4.5–19.5%) when PM2.5 concentration is well below the National Ambient Air Quality standard (NAAQS) of 50 μg/m3. The association was more pronounced in those aged below 3-months, with low body mass index or suffered from pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Conclusion
Short-term PM2.5 exposure is a significant risk for development of VAP in pediatric patients. This risk is present even with PM2.5 levels below the NAAQS. Ambient PM2.5 may represent a previously unrecognized risk factor for pneumonia and the current environmental pollution standards need to be reevaluated to consider susceptible populations.

Trial registration
The trial was registered with the National Clinical Trial Center: The correlation between ambient air pollution and the complications in ICU underwent cardiac surgery. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2000030507. Date of registration: March 5, 2020. URL of trial registry record: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.
New measures to assess the “Other” three pillars of food security–availability, utilization, and stability
Authors: Calloway Eric E. , Carpenter Leah R. , Gargano Tony , Sharp Julia L. , Yaroch Amy L. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
In recent reviews of available measures, no existing measures assessed all four pillars of food security and most only assessed one or two pillars–predominantly the access pillar. The purpose of this study was to preliminarily develop novel measures of availability, utilization, and stability that are complementary to the USDA’s household food security survey measure (HFSSM).

Methods
A formative phase included an expert advisory group, literature scans, and interviews with individuals experiencing food insecurity. From April-June 2021, the new measures were piloted in five states (California, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, and Washington). The cross-sectional pilot survey included the new measures (perceived limited availability, utilization barriers, and food insecurity stability), scales and items for validation (e.g., food security, and self-reported dietary and health outcomes), and demographic questions. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess dimensionality, internal consistency was assessed using Kuder-Richardson formula 21 (KR21), and convergent and discriminant validity were assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Also, a brief screener version was created for the utilization barriers measure that may be necessary for certain applications (e.g., clinical intake screening to inform referrals to assistance programs).

Results
The analytic samples (perceived limited availability (n = 334); utilization barriers (n = 428); food insecurity stability (n = 445)) were around 45 years old on average, most households had children, over two-thirds were food insecure, over three-fourths were women, and the samples were racially/ethnically diverse. All items loaded highly and unambiguously to a factor (factor loadings range 0.525–0.903). Food insecurity stability showed a four-factor structure, utilization barriers showed a two-factor structure, and perceived limited availability showed a two-factor structure. KR21 metrics ranged from 0.72 to 0.84. Higher scores for the new measures were generally associated with increased food insecurity (rhos = 0.248–0.497), except for one of the food insecurity stability scores. Also, several of the measures were associated with statistically significantly worse health and dietary outcomes.

Conclusions
The findings support the reliability and construct validity of these new measures within a largely low-income and food insecure sample of households in the United States. Following further testing, such as Confirmatory Factor Analysis in future samples, these measures may be used in various applications to promote a more comprehensive understanding of the food insecurity experience. Such work can help inform novel intervention approaches to address food insecurity more fully.
Changes of improvement in upper limb function predict surgical outcome after laminoplasty in 1 year in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a retrospective study
Authors: Fudo Takuma , Hashida Ryuki , Yokosuka Kimiaki , Sato Kimiaki , Hiraoka Koji 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy preoperative prognostic factors include age, preoperative severity, and disease duration. However, there are no reports on the relationship between changes in physical function during hospitalization and postoperative course, and in recent years, the length of hospital stay has shortened. We aimed to investigate whether changes in physical function during hospitalization can predict the postoperative outcome.

Methods
We recruited 104 patients who underwent laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy by the same surgeon. Physical functions, including Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF), grip strength, timed up and go test, 10-m walk, and time to stand on one leg, were assessed at admission and discharge. Patients with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score improvement rate of 50% or more were defined as the improved group. Decision tree analysis was investigated factor for identifying improvement in the JOA score. According to this analysis, we divided into two groups using age. Then, we conducted a logistic regression analysis to identify factors that improve the JOA score.

Results
The improved and non-improved groups had 31 and 73 patients, respectively. The improved group was younger (p = 0.003) and had better improved Δgrip strength (p = 0.001) and ΔSTEF (p < .0007). Age was significantly positively correlated with disease duration (r = 0.4881, p =  < .001). Disease duration exhibited a significant negative correlation with the JOA score improvement rate (r = − 0.2127, p = 0.031). Based on the decision tree analysis results, age was the first branching variable, with 15% of patients ≥ 67 years showing JOA score improvement. This was followed by ΔSTEF as the second branching factor. ΔSTEF was selected as the factor associated with JOA improvement in patients ≥67 years (odds ratio (OR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.12, p=.0268); in patients <67 years, Δgrip strength was identified (OR 1.30, CI 1.04‒1.62, p=.0049).

Conclusions
In the improved group, upper limb function improved more than lower limb function from the early postoperative period. Upper limb function changes during hospitalization were associated with outcomes one year postoperatively. Improvement factors in upper extremity function differed by age, with changes in grip strength in patients < 67 years and STEF in patients ≥ 67 years, reflecting the outcome at one year postoperatively.
Acupuncture for chemotherapy-associated insomnia in breast cancer patients: an assessor-participant blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Qin Zongshi , So Tsz Him , Chang Tien Yee , Yang Sichang , Chen Haiyong , Yeung Wing Fai , Chung Ka Fai , Chan Pui Yan , Huang Yong , Xu Shifen , Chiang Chun Yuan , Lao Lixing , Zhang Zhang-Jin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Insomnia is a highly prevalent symptom occurred during and post-chemotherapy. Acupuncture may have beneficial effects in the management of chemotherapy-associated insomnia. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in improving chemotherapy-associated insomnia in breast cancer patients.

Methods
This assessor-participant blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial was conducted from November 2019 to January 2022 (follow-up completed July 2022). Participants were referred by oncologists from two Hong Kong hospitals. Assessments and interventions were conducted at the outpatient clinic of School of Chinese Medicine, the University of Hong Kong. The 138 breast cancer patients with chemotherapy-associated insomnia were randomly assigned to receive either 15 sessions of active acupuncture regimen by combining needling into body acupoints and acupressure on auricular acupoints or sham acupuncture control (69 each) for 18 weeks, followed by 24 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome was measured using Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Secondary outcomes included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Actiwatch and sleep diary for sleep parameters, depression and anxiety, fatigue and pain, and quality of life.

Results
There were 87.7% (121/138) participants who completed the primary endpoint (week-6). The active acupuncture regimen was not superior to the sham control in reducing ISI score from baseline to 6 weeks (mean difference: − 0.4, 95% CI − 1.8–1.1; P = 0.609), but produced short-term treatment and long-term follow-up better outcomes in improving sleep onset latency, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Participants of the active acupuncture group had a pronouncedly higher cessation rate of sleeping medications than the sham control (56.5% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.011). All treatment-related adverse events were mild. No participants discontinued treatments due to adverse events.

Conclusion
The active acupuncture regimen could be considered as an effective option for the management of chemotherapy-associated insomnia. It also could serve as a tapering approach to reduce and even replace the use of sleeping medications in breast cancer patients.
Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov: NCT04144309. Registered 30 October 2019.
MORC proteins regulate transcription factor binding by mediating chromatin compaction in active chromatin regions
Authors: Zhong Zhenhui , Xue Yan , Harris C. Jake , Wang Ming , Li Zheng , Ke Yunqing , Liu Mukun , Zhou Jessica , Jami-Alahmadi Yasaman , Feng Suhua , Wohlschlegel James A. , Jacobsen Steven E. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
The microrchidia (MORC) proteins are a family of evolutionarily conserved GHKL-type ATPases involved in chromatin compaction and gene silencing. Arabidopsis MORC proteins act in the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, where they act as molecular tethers to ensure the efficient establishment of RdDM and de novo gene silencing. However, MORC proteins also have RdDM-independent functions although their underlying mechanisms are unknown.

Results
In this study, we examine MORC binding regions where RdDM does not occur in order to shed light on the RdDM-independent functions of MORC proteins. We find that MORC proteins compact chromatin and reduce DNA accessibility to transcription factors, thereby repressing gene expression. We also find that MORC-mediated repression of gene expression is particularly important under conditions of stress. MORC-regulated transcription factors can in some cases regulate their own transcription, resulting in feedback loops.

Conclusions
Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of MORC-mediated chromatin compaction and transcription regulation.
Longitudinal associations between physical activity and five risk factors of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged adults in Germany
Authors: Cleven Laura , Dziuba Anna , Krell-Roesch Janina , Schmidt Steffen C. E. , Bös Klaus , Jekauc Darko , Woll Alexander 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
We examined the longitudinal association between (change in) physical activity (PA) with new onset of five risk factors of metabolic syndrome among 657 middle-aged adults (mean age 44.1 (standard deviation (SD) 8.6) years) who were free of the respective outcome at baseline, in a longitudinal cohort study spanning over 29 years.

Methods
Levels of habitual PA and sports-related PA were assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. Incident elevated waist circumference (WC), elevated triglycerides (TG), reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterols (HDL), elevated blood pressure (BP), and elevated blood-glucose (BG) were assessed by physicians and by self-reported questionnaires. We calculated Cox proportional hazard ratio regressions and 95% confidence intervals.

Results
Over time, participants developed (cases of incident risk factor; mean (SD) follow-up time) elevated WC (234 cases; 12.3 (8.2) years), elevated TG (292 cases; 11.1 (7.8) years), reduced HDL (139 cases; 12.4 (8.1) years), elevated BP (185 cases; 11.4 (7.5) years), or elevated BG (47 cases; 14.2 (8.5) years). For PA variables at baseline, risk reductions ranging between 37 and 42% for reduced HDL levels were detected. Furthermore, higher levels of PA (≥ 16.6 METh per week) were associated with a 49% elevated risk for incident elevated BP. Participants who increased PA levels over time, had risk reductions ranging between 38 and 57% for elevated WC, elevated TG and reduced HDL. Participants with stable high amounts of PA from baseline to follow-up had risk reductions ranging between 45 and 87% for incident reduced HDL and elevated BG.

Conclusions
PA at baseline, starting PA engagement, maintaining and increasing PA level over time are associated with favorable metabolic health outcomes.
Alagille-like syndrome with surprising karyotype: a case report
Authors: Amimoto S. , Ishii M. , Tanaka K. , Araki S. , Kuwamura M. , Suga S. , Kondo E. , Shibata E. , Kusuhara K. , Yoshino K. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Chromosome 5p partial monosomy (5p-syndrome) and chromosome 6p partial trisomy are chromosomal abnormalities that result in a variety of symptoms, but liver dysfunction is not normally one of them. Alagille syndrome (OMIM #118450) is a multisystem disorder that is defined clinically by hepatic bile duct paucity and cholestasis, in association with cardiac, skeletal, and ophthalmologic manifestations, and characteristic facial features. Alagille syndrome is caused by mutations in JAG1 on chromosome 20 or NOTCH2 on chromosome 1. Here, we report a preterm infant with karyotype 46,XX,der(5)t(5,6)(p15.2;p22.3) and hepatic dysfunction, who was diagnosed as having incomplete Alagille syndrome.

Case presentation
The Japanese infant was diagnosed based on the cardiac abnormalities, ocular abnormalities, characteristic facial features, and liver pathological findings. Analysis of the JAG1 and NOTCH sequences failed to detect any mutations in these genes.

Conclusions
These results suggest that, besides the genes that are known to be responsible for Alagille syndrome, other genetic mutations also may cause Alagille syndrome.
Genetic associations between circulating metabolic biomarkers and lung cancer in East Asians and Europeans
Authors: Liu Kai , Wang Shangshang , Zhou Yuhan , Huang Sha , Liu Yifan , Song Lijiang , He Zhengfu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Metabolic biomarkers are reported to be associated with the risk of lung cancer (LC). However, the observed associations from epidemiological studies are either inconsistent or inconclusive.

Methods
The genetic summary data of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and those of the LC and its histological subtypes were retrieved from previous GWASs. We performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable MR analyses to examine the associations between genetically predicted metabolic biomarkers and LC in East Asians and Europeans.

Results
In East Asians, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method suggests that LDL (odds ratio [OR] = 0.799, 95% CI 0.712–0.897), TC (OR = 0.713, 95% CI 0.638–0.797), and TG (OR = 0.702, 95% CI 0.613–0.804) were significantly associated with LC after correction for multiple testing. For the remaining three biomarkers, we did not detect significant association with LC by any MR method. Multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis yielded an OR of 0.958 (95% CI 0.748–1.172) for HDL, 0.839 (95% CI 0.738–0.931) for LDL, 0.942 (95% CI 0.742–1.133) for TC, 1.161 (95% CI 1.070–1.252) for TG, 1.079 (95% CI 0.851–1.219) for FPG, and 1.101 (95% CI 0.922–1.191) for HbA1c. In Europeans, the univariate MR analyses did not detect significant association between exposures and outcomes. However, in MVMR analysis integrating circulating lipids and lifestyle risk factors (smoking, alcohol drinking, and body mass index), we found that TG was positively associated with LC in Europeans (OR = 1.660, 95% CI 1.060–2.260). Subgroup and sensitivity analysis yielded similar results to the main analyses.

Conclusions
Our study provides genetic evidence that circulating levels of LDL was negatively associated with LC in East Asians, whereas TG was positively associated with LC in both populations.
Meta-organism gene expression reveals that the impact of nitrate enrichment on coral larvae is mediated by their associated Symbiodiniaceae and prokaryotic assemblages
Authors: Tong Haoya , Zhang Fang , Sun Jin , McIlroy Shelby E. , Zhang Weipeng , Wang Yan , Huang Hui , Zhou Guowei , Qian Pei-Yuan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Coral meta-organisms consist of the coral, and its associated Symbiodiniaceae (dinoflagellate algae), bacteria, and other microbes. Corals can acquire photosynthates from Symbiodiniaceae, whilst Symbiodiniaceae uses metabolites from corals. Prokaryotic microbes provide Symbiodiniaceae with nutrients and support the resilience of corals as meta-organisms. Eutrophication is a major cause of coral reef degradation; however, its effects on the transcriptomic response of coral meta-organisms remain unclear, particularly for prokaryotic microbes associated with corals in the larval stage. To understand acclimation of the coral meta-organism to elevated nitrate conditions, we analyzed the physiological and transcriptomic responses of Pocillopora damicornis larvae, an ecologically important scleractinian coral, after 5 days of exposure to elevated nitrate levels (5, 10, 20, and 40 µM).

Results
The major differentially expressed transcripts in coral, Symbiodiniaceae, and prokaryotic microbes included those related to development, stress response, and transport. The development of Symbiodiniaceae was not affected in the 5 and 20 µM groups but was downregulated in the 10 and 40 µM groups. In contrast, prokaryotic microbe development was upregulated in the 10 and 40 µM groups and downregulated in the 5 and 20 µM groups. Meanwhile, coral larval development was less downregulated in the 10 and 40 µM groups than in the 5 and 20 µM groups. In addition, multiple larval, Symbiodiniaceae, and prokaryotic transcripts were significantly correlated with each other. The core transcripts in correlation networks were related to development, nutrient metabolism, and transport. A generalized linear mixed model, using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, demonstrated that the Symbiodiniaceae could both benefit and cost coral larval development. Furthermore, the most significantly correlated prokaryotic transcripts maintained negative correlations with the physiological functions of Symbiodiniaceae.

Conclusions
Results suggested that Symbiodiniaceae tended to retain more nutrients under elevated nitrate concentrations, thereby shifting the coral-algal association from mutualism towards parasitism. Prokaryotic microbes provided Symbiodiniaceae with essential nutrients and may control Symbiodiniaceae growth through competition, whereby prokaryotes can also restore coral larval development inhibited by Symbiodiniaceae overgrowth.