bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity may extend the time required to reach a steady-state 25-hydroxyvitamin D level after initiating vitamin D supplementation
Authors: Dawson-Hughes Bess , Konieczynski Elsa M , Ceglia Lisa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Obesity is known to influence the circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level but less is known about whether it influences the time required to reach a stable 25(OH)D level after initiating vitamin D supplementation.
This observational study was done to investigate whether body mass index (BMI) modified the time required to reach a steady-state 25(OH)D level in response to vitamin D supplementation. Participants in the Boston STOP IT study who were treated for 12 months with 700 IU of vitamin D3 and 500 mg of calcium daily and had 25(OH)D measures at 0, 6, and 12 months, were included. We assessed the trajectory of 25(OH)D levels by baseline BMI category (normal weight, BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, n = 62; overweight and obese, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, n = 105). Baseline 25(OH)D levels were 78 ± 31.3 nmol/L (normal weight) and 74.7 ± 36.5 nmol/L (overweight and obese). In a linear mixed model examining the influence of time and baseline BMI category on change in the mean 25(OH)D level, there was a significant time x BMI group interaction (p=.024. The normal weight participants had reached steady-state 25(OH)D levels by 6 months whereas 25(OH)D levels continued to rise between 6 and 12 months in the overweight and obese participants.
This analysis suggests that the time required to reach a steady-state 25(OH)D level after initiating vitamin D supplementation in overweight and obese adults is greater than the usual 3-month time point commonly used in clinical practice. A more refined definition of the time course of circulating 25(OH)D response to supplementation is needed in overweight and obese individuals in order to optimize clinical monitoring of vitamin D status.
Predictable ecological dynamics over incredibly small spatial scales influence early-life phenotypes in a species with temperature-dependent sex determination
Authors: Terebiznik Mariel , Leivesley Jessica A , Edge Christopher B , Nancekivell E Graham , Brooks Ronald J , Rollinson Njal 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Phenotype-environment associations in neonatal animals may arise in wild environments by virtue of ecological dynamics within the nest. Such dynamics may be of special importance to the evolution of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), an enigmatic trait which can be adaptive when the incubation temperatures that affect sexual differentiation also have differential effects on fitness of the sexes. To infer causal effects of the nest environment on fitness-relevant phenotypes, we apply structural equation modeling (SEM) to a 14-year dataset of 3085 individual embryos whose position in 179 wild snapping turtle nests could be estimated. We find that temperature has a positive effect on hatchling size, and that the same temperatures that predict hatchling size also predict sex of hatchlings. Further, the probability that embryos develop as males is correlated with hatchling size in the wild, where across all environments, males are slightly and significantly larger than females at hatching. Our SEM reveals that the covariance between size and sex arises because of temperature effects on size, and because of a predictable covariance between egg placement within the nest coupled with maternal effects on egg size. Finally, embryos deep in the nest have a high probability of becoming male even in the hottest years. Our study suggests ecological dynamics occurring within the nest are an interesting and underappreciated source of phenotypic variation. Our study also supports the view that TSD is an adaptive trait, rather than a neutral trait, by showing consistent associations between phenotype and temperature in wild nests of a TSD reptile.
Ethylene signaling is essential for mycorrhiza-induced resistance against chewing herbivores in tomato
Authors: Lidoy Javier , Rivero Javier , Ramšak Živa , Petek Marko , Križnik Maja , Flors Victor , Lopez-Raez Juan A , Martinez-Medina Ainhoa , Gruden Kristina , Pozo Maria J 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis can prime plant defenses, leading to mycorrhiza-induced resistance (MIR) against different attackers, including insect herbivores. Still, our knowledge of the complex molecular regulation leading to MIR is very limited. Here, we show that the AM fungus Funneliformis mosseae protects tomato plants against two different chewing herbivores, Spodoptera exigua and Manduca sexta. We explore the underlying molecular mechanism through genome-wide transcriptional profiling, bioinformatics network analyses, and functional bioassays. Herbivore-triggered JA-regulated defenses were primed in leaves of mycorrhizal plants, while ET biosynthesis and signaling were also higher both before and after herbivory. We hypothesized that fine-tuned ET signaling is required for the primed defensive response leading to MIR. ET is a complex regulator of plant responses to stress and is generally considered a negative regulator of plant defenses against herbivory. However, ET-deficient or insensitive lines did not show AM-primed JA biosynthesis or defense response, and were unable to develop MIR against any of the herbivores. Thus, we demonstrate that hormone crosstalk is central to the priming of plant immunity by beneficial microbes, with ET fine-tuning being essential for the primed JA biosynthesis and boosted defenses leading to MIR in tomato.
The Periodical Olam Katan (1901–1904) and Its Readers: A Study in Modern Jewish Childhood in Eastern Europe
Authors: Jagodzińska Agnieszka 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Olam Katan [Small World] was the first illustrated Hebrew periodical for children, edited by Avraham Leib Shalkovich (aka Ben-Avigdor) and Shmuel Leib Gordon (aka Shalag). It was published first in Vienna (1901–1902) and then in Cracow (1902–1904). This article reconstructs the readership of this periodical through the analysis of a unique source: a collection of children’s letters sent to Olam Katan and printed in its pages. Children’s Zionist culture is studied as reflected in the readers’ correspondence. Applying quantitative and qualitative methods, and methods of digital humanities and spatial analysis, this article reconstructs the geography, age, and gender of the readers of Olam Katan, setting them in the broader context of modern Jewish childhood in Eastern Europe.
Timing and noise analysis of five millisecond pulsars observed with MeerKAT
Authors: Chisabi M , Andrianomena S , Enwelum U , Gasennelwe E G , Idris A , Idogbe E A , Shilunga S , Geyer M , Reardon D J , Okany C F , Shamohammadi M , Shannon R M , Krishnan V Venkatraman , Abbate F , Kramer M 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Millisecond pulsars (MSPs) in binary systems are precise laboratories for tests of gravity and the physics of dense matter. Their orbits can show relativistic effects that provide a measurement of the neutron star mass and the pulsars are included in timing array experiments that search for gravitational waves. Neutron star mass measurements are key to eventually solving the neutron star equation of state and these can be obtained by a measure of the Shapiro delay if the orbit is viewed near edge-on. Here, we report on the timing and noise analysis of five MSPs observed with the MeerKAT radio telescope: PSRs J0900–3144, J0921–5202, J1216–6410, J1327–0755, and J1543–5149. We searched for the Shapiro delay in all of the pulsars and obtain weak detections for PSRs J0900–3144, J1216–6410, and J1327–0755. We report a higher significance detection of the Shapiro delay for PSR J1543–5149, giving a precise pulsar mass of $M_{\rm p} = 1.349^{+0.043}_{-0.061}\,$M$_\odot$ and companion white-dwarf mass $M_{\rm c} = 0.223^{+0.005}_{-0.007}$ M$_\odot$. This is an atypically low-mass measurement for a recycled MSP. In addition to these Shapiro delays, we also obtain timing model parameters including proper motions and parallax constraints for most of the pulsars.
Characterization of H2O:N2 ice under bombardment by cosmic rays – I. Reaction rates and chemical equilibrium
Authors: Queiroz L M S V , Silva J R C , Ferrão L F A , Pilling S 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
In space, nitrogen-rich ice is constantly exposed to ionizing radiation, which triggers chemical reactions and desorption processes allowing a chemical enhancement of interstellar medium (ISM). Here, we present the first part of a series of studies on the effect of cosmic ray bombardment (40 MeV Ni$^{11+}$ ions) on H$_2$O:N$_2$ (1:5) ice at 15 K, employing the PROCODA code as the modelling tool including 28 chemical species and 930 chemical coupled equations (also including desorption). This first part focuses on the reaction rates and chemical equilibrium stage due to radiation processing. Among the results, we characterize the molecular abundances at chemical equilibrium, including experimentally observed and non-observed species (predicted) suggesting some candidates as a target for astronomical observation. The best-fitting models provided the effective rate coefficients, which can be employed in astrochemical models to understand the chemistry of cold space environments. The findings also help to clarify the chemical processes of N-bearing species in the ISM and frozen surfaces of the Solar system, including the moon of giant planets, outer solar system objects, and ices in the interstellar and protostellar medium.
Selection increases mitonuclear DNA discordance but reconciles incompatibility in African cattle
Authors: Shi Xian , Ma Cheng , Chen Ningbo , Xu Ming-Min , Kambal Sumaya , Cai Zheng-Fei , Yang Qiwen , Adeola Adeniyi C , Liu Li-Sheng , Wang Jun , Lu Wen-Fa , Li Yan , Msalya George M , Lei Chuzhao , Mwacharo Joram M , Han Jian-Lin , Hanotte Olivier , Zhang Ya-Ping , Peng Min-Sheng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Mitochondrial function relies on the coordinated interactions between genes in the mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear genomes. Imperfect interactions following mitonuclear incompatibility may lead to reduced fitness. MtDNA introgressions across species and populations are common and well documented. Various strategies may be expected to reconcile mitonuclear incompatibility in hybrids or admixed individuals. African admixed cattle (Bos taurus × B. indicus) show sex-biased admixture, with taurine (B. taurus) mtDNA and a nuclear genome predominantly of humped zebu (B. indicus). Here, we leveraged local ancestry inference approaches to identify the ancestry and distribution patterns of nuclear functional genes associated with the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation process in the genomes of African admixed cattle. We show that most of the nuclear genes involved in mitonuclear interactions are under selection and of humped zebu ancestry. Variation in mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) may have contributed to the recovery of optimal mitochondrial function following admixture with the regulation of gene expression, alleviating or nullifying mitochondrial dysfunction. Interestingly, some nuclear mitochondrial genes with enrichment in taurine ancestry may have originated from ancient African aurochs (B. primigenius africanus) introgression. They may have contributed to the local adaptation of African cattle to pathogen burdens. Our study provides further support and new evidence showing that the successful settlement of cattle across the continent was a complex mechanism involving adaptive introgression, mtDNA-CN variation, regulation of gene expression, and selection of ancestral mitochondria-related genes.
T cell costimulatory blockade ameliorates induction of experimental membranous nephropathy potentially through T-helper 17 cell suppression in the kidney
Authors: Chung Edmund Y M , Wang Yuan Min , Shaw Karli , Ronning Emily , Wang Ya , Yu Zhang Geoff , Hu Min , Keung Karen , McCarthy Hugh J , Harris David C H , Alexander Stephen I 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and hypothesis
Recent advances in membranous nephropathy treatment have focused on B cell depletion, which is incompletely effective, potentially due to persistent autoantibody-producing plasma cells or alternative pathways of injury. T cell costimulatory blockade (cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4)-Ig) to prevent T cell-dependent B cell activation and short-course proteasome inhibition (bortezomib) to deplete plasma cells may represent a complementary form of treatment.

Methods
Lewis rats were immunized with Fx1A and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce experimental membranous nephropathy (Heymann nephritis or HN) and treated with CTLA4-Ig alone or CTLA4-Ig plus a short-course of bortezomib. Serum creatinine, proteinuria, kidney histology, serum anti-Fx1A levels, kidney and spleen messenger RNA expression, and flow cytometry on splenocytes were evaluated at 12 weeks.

Results
CTLA4-Ig-treated and CTLA4-Ig plus bortezomib-treated rats had significant and similar reductions in serum creatinine and proteinuria, with less histological kidney injury compared to untreated HN rats. Glomerular IgG deposition was reduced in CTLA4-Ig-treated and CTLA4-Ig plus bortezomib-treated rats compared to untreated HN rats but there were no significant differences in serum anti-Fx1A levels. CTLA4-Ig-treated and CTLA4-Ig plus bortezomib-treated rats exhibited significantly reduced T helper (Th)-17 cell cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, IL-21) and regulatory T cell (Foxp3, TGF-β) expression in the kidney but not the spleen. Immunohistochemical staining of CD4+ and intracellular STAT3+ cells were reduced in CTLA4-Ig plus bortezomib-treated and CTLA4-Ig-treated compared to untreated HN rats. On flow cytometry, CTLA4-Ig reduced B cells and plasma cells but not T cell subsets.

Conclusion
CTLA4-Ig ameliorated induction of experimental membranous nephropathy, potentially through suppression of Th17 cells in the kidney and may represent an effective adjunct treatment in membranous nephropathy.
Phase 1 Trial of Hypofractionated Stereotactic Re-irradiation in Combination with Nivolumab, Ipilimumab, and Bevacizumab for Recurrent High-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Sahebjam Solmaz , Raval Raju R , Forsyth Peter A , Enderling Heiko , Tran Nam D , Arrington John A , Macaulay Robert , Perlow Haley K , Palmer Joshua D , Ghose Jayeeta , Rajappa Prajwal , Giglio Pierre , Li Zihai , Etame Arnold B , Mokhtari Sepideh , Cruz-Chamorro Ruben J , Bhandari Menal , Thapa Ram , Robinson Timothy J , Chen Dung-Tsa , Yu Hsiang-Hsuan Michael 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Our previous clinical investigation suggested that hypofractionated stereotactic re-irradiation (HFSRT) and PD-1 blockade may act synergistically to enhance the immune response against glioma. This subsequent trial investigated the dual blockade of CTLA4 and PD-1 in combination with HFSRT and bevacizumab.

Methods
This phase I study enrolled eligible patients with bevacizumab-naïve recurrent glioblastoma or anaplastic astrocytoma. Participants received nivolumab, ipilimumab and bevacizumab concurrently with HFSRT (3000 cGy in 5 fractions). Subsequently, nivolumab, ipilimumab and bevacizumab were administered for a total of 4 cycles followed by nivolumab and bevacizumab until progression. The primary end point of this study was safety and tolerability of HFSRT in combination with nivolumab, ipilimumab, and bevacizumab in patients with recurrent HGGs. Secondary end points included 6-months survival and 9-months survival.

Results
Twenty-six patients were treated. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of grade 3 or 4 were observed in 12 (48%) of evaluable patients with no unexpected TRAEs. Six-months and 9-months survival were 92% (95% CI, 82 to 100%) and 75% (95% CI, 60 to 95%), respectively. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 7.1 months (95% CI, 5.2–12.2) and 15.6 months (95% CI, 11.3–27.0), respectively.

Conclusions
The combination of HFSRT with ipilimumab, nivolumab and bevacizumab is safe. Our results underscore the potential synergies between stereotactic re-irradiation and checkpoint immunotherapy in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas.
Characterizing long- and short survival glioblastoma patients with FLT-PET/MRI and metabolomics
Authors: Axelsson Jan , Björkblom Benny , Asklund Thomas , Brandel Jens , Larhed Svante , Ringmar Gabriela M , Hedman Karolina , Riklund Katrine , Sjöberg Rickard L , Sandström Maria 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and malignant brain tumour, characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity, invasiveness, and resistance to treatment. Patients with glioblastoma have a very poor prognosis despite multimodal interventions. In this study, we investigated how 18F-flourothymidine (18F-FLT) PET combined with contrast-enhanced MRI and blood metabolomics can contribute to evaluate prognosis and treatment response for patients with glioblastoma.

Methods
Patients, scheduled for surgery due to suspected high-grade glioma were included in this clinical study and underwent four 18F-FLT-PET/MRI examinations prior to surgery and during standard treatment. Blood samples were collected and analyzed by metabolomics. Patients were grouped according to survival as long-time survivors (&gt;3 years) and short-time survivors (&lt;500 days).

Results
Both 2 and 6 weeks into treatment, short-time survivors displayed a significantly larger tumour volume than long-time survivors. When comparing MRI findings during treatment, long-time survivors displayed a substantial tumour decrease, whereas the short-time survivors showed minor or no effect. Regarding 18F-FLT-PET the results were not as unambiguous. Furthermore, there was a clear and significant separation in the metabolomic pattern in blood between the survival groups and across treatment time points.

Conclusions
MRI measures of tumour volume and growth during treatment appear to be prognostic clinical factors that affect outcome. Metabolomic patterns in blood differ significantly between the defined survival groups and may serve as support for an early forecast of prognosis. We also observe a clear separation in metabolite levels between different time points during treatment, which likely reflects treatment effects.
Chronic tobacco smoking and emotional processing abilities: a systematic review
Authors: Martini Elisa , Gautier Mado , Lannoy Séverine , Maurage Pierre 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Tobacco use disorder (TUD) remains highly prevalent and is associated with widespread cognitive impairments, particularly in attentional functions. Conversely, the understanding of emotional deficits related to TUD remains limited, despite its potential impact on mood regulation.

Methods
We conducted the first systematic review on emotional processing in TUD, based on a well-established model of emotion distinguishing three processes (emotional identification, emotional response and emotional regulation), to which we added emotional attention as a fourth component. Capitalizing on a pre-registered approach and following PRISMA guidelines, we synthesized existing literature on emotional processing impairments in TUD, identifying 14 relevant studies.

Results
Findings indicate large-scale impairments encompassing all emotional components in TUD, demonstrating that emotional processing constitutes a crucial dimension of TUD.

Conclusion
Emotional processing emerges as a key aspect of TUD but, in view of the currently limited quantity and quality of research in this area, we offer guidelines for more comprehensive and theory-grounded investigations, to advance theoretical knowledge and pave the way for efficient interventions.

Implications
This systematic review shows that tobacco use disorder (TUD) is associated, beyond the already documented cognitive deficits, with emotional impairments encompassing emotional identification, response, regulation and attention. Such widespread modifications of emotional processing might be involved in the emergence and persistence of TUD, and hence constitute new targets for researchers and clinical practitioners.
Mapping fine-scale socioeconomic inequality using machine learning and remotely sensed data
Authors: Pradhan Nabin , Agrawal Arun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Limited and missing socioeconomic data have made it nearly impossible to measure or estimate inequality consistently at fine spatiotemporal and jurisdictional scales, especially for lower- and middle-income countries. We deploy a novel data harmonization method that combines existing household survey data with freely available remotely sensed data and machine learning techniques to generate fine-scale socioeconomic inequality estimates across spatial and temporal scales for India. Our manuscript makes three important contributions. First, it identifies key remote sensing datasets that, in combination with nighttime luminosity, improve its predictive power to estimate measures of socioeconomic inequality. Second, it offers an analytical approach that reliably estimates the uneven distribution of socioeconomic conditions by harmonizing household assets and sociodemographic information that remotely sensed data at the village or similar geographic levels represent—the results achieve &gt;84% prediction accuracy. Finally, it leverages a spatially cross-validated machine learning model with training and test datasets from two successive Demographic and Health Surveys to demonstrate how data gaps in socioeconomic inequality at subnational levels can be addressed. Our replicable approach has the potential to improve global inequality data, thereby supporting research and applications aiming to reduce socioeconomic inequality in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Motivational Interviewing in Patients with Acute Psychosis:A Feasibility Study
Authors: Panchalingam Janani , Horisberger Rahel , Corda Claudio , Kleisner Nicolas , Krasnoff Julia , Burrer Achim , Spiller Tobias , Edkins Victoria , Seifritz Erich , Homan Philipp 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and Hypothesis
Psychotic disorders are among the top causes of disability worldwide. Guidelines emphasize the need for psychotherapeutic approaches in the acute phase of this illness. Motivational interviewing (MI) is highly suitable for establishing a therapeutic alliance wherein the patient’s intrinsic motivation can be strengthened to adhere to therapy. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and impact of MI for patients with acute psychosis.

Study Design
A feasibility study was conducted, comparing MI and supportive counseling. The sample included 20 inpatients, who all received four therapy sessions. In line with CONSORT guidelines for pilot and feasibility studies, we measured various feasibility outcomes. Clinical outcomes were assessed using linear regression models, with baseline values used as covariates.

Study Results
The recruitment target (N = 24) was achieved at 83% in a reasonable timeframe (8 months), with a retention rate of 83% and completion rate at 71%. Eligibility rate (82 %) was high, consent rate (48%) was moderate, and both the dropout rate 17% and missing data rate (0.3%) were low. Regarding the clinical outcomes, a group difference was found for the severity of psychotic symptoms, with an advantage for MI (b = -12.0, 95% CI: [-18.7, -5.2], p &lt; 0.01), although the small sample size must be kept in mind.

Conclusions
The study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a clinical trial with MI for patients with psychosis in an inpatient setting. MI could offer benefits, particularly in terms of reducing psychotic symptoms.