bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Bayesian estimation of population-level torque law parameters from anomalous pulsar braking indices
Authors: Vargas Andrés F , Carlin Julian B , Melatos Andrew 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Stochastic fluctuations in the spin frequency $\nu$ of a rotation-powered pulsar affect how accurately one measures the power-law braking index, $n_{\rm pl}$, defined through $\dot{\nu }=K\nu ^{n_{\rm pl}}$, and can lead to measurements of anomalous braking indices, with $\vert n \vert = \vert \nu \ddot{\nu }/ \dot{\nu }^{2} \vert \gg 1$, where the overdot symbolizes a derivative with respect to time. Previous studies show that the variance of the measured n obeys the predictive, falsifiable formula $\langle n^{2} \rangle = n_{\rm pl}^{2}+\sigma ^{2}_{\ddot{\nu }}\nu ^{2}\gamma _{\ddot{\nu }}^{-2}\dot{\nu }^{-4}T_{\rm obs}^{-1}$ for $\dot{K}=0$, where $\sigma _{\ddot{\nu }}$ is the timing noise amplitude, $\gamma _{\ddot{\nu }}^{-1}$ is a stellar damping time-scale, and $T_{\rm obs}$ is the total observing time. Here, we combine this formula with a hierarchical Bayesian scheme to infer the population-level distribution of $n_{\rm pl}$ for a pulsar population of size M. The scheme is validated using synthetic data to quantify its accuracy systematically and prepare for its future application to real, astronomical data. For a plausible test population with $M=100$ and injected $n_{\rm pl}$ values drawn from a population-level Gaussian with mean $\mu _{\rm pl}=4$ and standard deviation $\sigma _{\rm pl}=0.5$, intermediate between electromagnetic braking and mass quadrupole gravitational radiation reaction, the Bayesian scheme infers $\mu _{\rm pl}=3.89^{+0.24}_{-0.23}$ and $\sigma _{\rm pl}=0.43^{+0.21}_{-0.14}$. The $M=100$ per-pulsar posteriors for $n_{\rm pl}$ and $\sigma ^{2}_{\ddot{\nu }}\gamma _{\ddot{\nu }}^{-2}$ contain 87 and 69 per cent, respectively, of the injected values within their 90 per cent credible intervals. Comparable accuracy is achieved for (i) population sizes spanning the range $50 \le M \le 300$, with fractional errors ranging from 2 to 6 per cent for $\mu _{\rm pl}$, and 12 to 54 per cent for $\sigma _{\rm pl}$, and (ii) wide priors satisfying $\mu _{\rm pl} \le 10^{3}$ and $\sigma _{\rm pl} \le 10^{2}$, which accommodate plausible spin-down mechanisms with $\dot{K}\ne 0$ and $\vert \dot{K} / K \vert \gg \vert \dot{\nu }/\nu \vert$. The Bayesian scheme generalizes readily to other plausible astrophysical situations, such as pulsar populations with bimodal $n_{\rm pl}$ distributions.
Decretion disc evolution and neutron star accretion in short-period eccentric Be/X-ray binaries
Authors: Rast R G , Jones C E , Suffak M W , Carciofi A C 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
We examine Be star discs in highly eccentric Be/X-ray systems. We use a three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics code to model the structure of the Be star disc and investigate its interactions with the secondary star over time. We use system parameters consistent with the eccentric, short-period (P$\approx$ 16 d) Be/X-ray binary A0538-66 as the basis for our models. We explore a range of system geometries by incrementally varying the misalignment angle of the neutron star’s orbital plane with respect to the primary star’s equatorial plane to cover a complete range from coplanar prograde to coplanar retrograde. For all simulations, we follow the evolution of the disc’s total mass and angular momentum as well as the average eccentricity and inclination with respect to the equatorial planes of both the primary and secondary. We also determine the neutron star accretion rates. We find that the high eccentricity of the binary orbit causes all calculated disc parameters to vary with orbital phase in all models. The amplitude of these variations is negatively correlated with misalignment angle for models with misalignment angles less than 90$^{\circ }$, and positively correlated for models with misalignment angles greater than 90$^{\circ }$. Accretion rates are affected by the number of particles the neutron star interacts with as well as the length of the interaction time between the particles and the neutron star. We find that accretion rates are largest for models with misalignment angles less than 90$^{\circ }$, and smaller for models with those greater than 90$^{\circ }$.
Genetic mechanisms and adaptive benefits of anthocyanin-red stigmas in a wind-pollinated tree
Authors: Wang Wei-Hao , Renner Susanne S , Liu Hao-Sheng , Dai Liu-Feng , Chen Cai-Jin , Zhang Yi , Zhang Bo-Wen , Zhang Da-Yong , Bai Wei-Ning 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Anthocyanin accumulation in leaves or flowers mitigates photooxidation damage from Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and functions in plant/animal interactions. Among the most conspicuously anthocyanin-accumulating tissues are stigmas, especially in wind-pollinated trees. In the walnut genus (Juglans), yellow stigmas are ancestral, but a few species have dark red stigmas. We have used a natural F1 hybrid resulting from crosses between yellow-stigma and red-stigma species to investigate the genetic basis of the red stigmas. We found that a Copia transposable element (TE) insertion in the ubiquitin-protein ligase gene MIEL1 suppresses its expression in stigmas through RNA-directed DNA methylation and has gone to fixation in red-stigma species. A younger Gypsy TE insertion fully inhibits MIEL1 expression, but is not fixed, explaining the color segregation in hybrid populations. Based on reference genomes and whole-genome sequencing data representing 20 of the 22 species of Juglans, we traced the evolution of MIEL1, finding the insertions in all consistently-red-stigma species. Red stigmas had lower levels of ROS than yellow stigmas, and population-genetic data reveal strong positive selection on the TE-bearing MIEL1 allele. In combination, these results suggest that anthocyanin-accumulating stigma tissues support pollen germination and growth by protecting cells from ROS.
Real-World Effectiveness of 3 Types of Acellular Pertussis Vaccines Among Children Aged 3 Months–16 Years in Lu’an, China: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Qin Wei , Ma Bingxin , Zhang Huan , Wang Yao , Pan Fan , Chen Yafei , Zhou Yu , Liu Yongyu , Ma Liguo , Zhao Changjun , Tian Yongjie 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The real-world vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP), DTaP–Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and DTaP–inactivated polio (IPV)/Hib vaccines has not been thoroughly evaluated in China. Additionally, there are limited data on the VE of acellular pertussis–containing vaccines (aPVs) when used interchangeably.

Methods
We conducted a matched case-control study to estimate the VE of aPVs against polymerase chain reaction–confirmed pertussis infection in Lu’an in 2024. A conditional logistic regression model was used to compare the odds ratios (ORs) of vaccination between cases and controls. VE was calculated as [(1 – adjusted OR) × 100%], and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed around the estimates.

Results
A total of 1936 children aged 3 months to 16 years were included in the study. The overall VE was 77.3% (95% CI, 35.2%–92.1%). The VE for fully vaccinated children was 88.4% (95% CI, 57.3%–96.8%), while the VE for partially vaccinated children was 77.4% (95% CI, 35.5%–92.1%). The VE of DTaP, DTaP-Hib, and DTaP-IPV/Hib was 75.8% (95% CI, 29.7%–91.7%), 83.2% (95% CI, 47.8%–94.6%), and 79.8% (95% CI, 36.5%–93.6%), respectively. Compared with mixed vaccination (65.3%.), the incremental VE of DTaP, DTaP-Hib, and DTaP-IPV/Hib was 31.0% (95% CI, 1.0%–51.9%), 52.9% (95% CI, 19.1%–72.6%), and 41.1% (95% CI, −18.7% to 71.8%), respectively. We observed a decline in VE over time, decreasing from 76.5% (95% CI, 33.0%–91.7%) within the first 2 years to −5.5% (95% CI, −495.2% to 81.3%) after 6 years or more.

Conclusions
All aPVs provide significant protection against pertussis infection, although this protection wanes over time. The VE appears to decrease materially if these vaccines are administered alternately in an individual's routine immunization schedule.
Melatonin confers saline-alkali tolerance in tomato by alleviating nitrosative damage and S-nitrosylation of H+-ATPase 2
Authors: Wei Jin-Wei , Liu Minghui , Zhao Dan , Du Pengmeng , Yan Lu , Liu Derui , Shi Qinghua , Yang Changxian , Qin Guochen , Gong Biao 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Soil salinization and alkalization disrupt redox homeostasis, impairing plant survival and crop production. Disruption of redox homeostasis can cause accumulation of reactive nitrogen species, such as nitric oxide (NO), which causes nitrosative damage in which the properties of biomacromolecules are altered. It is unclear whether melatonin regulates NO homeostasis, thereby affecting plant saline-alkali tolerance. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), excess NO caused by saline-alkali stress resulted in nitrosative damage, which was alleviated by S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR). Moreover, saline-alkali stress-triggered NO stimulated caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) transcription and melatonin biosynthesis to scavenge excess NO and alleviate nitrosative damage at the proteome level. Under saline-alkali stress, plasma membrane-localized H+-ATPase 2 (HA2) was S-nitrosylated at Cys206, impairing its interaction with 14-3-3 protein 1 (TFT1). HA2 S-nitrosylation resulted in reduced HA activity, H+ efflux, and saline-alkali tolerance. Conversely, COMT-generated melatonin alleviated HA2 S-nitrosylation, recovering its function and tomato saline-alkali tolerance. Therefore, we propose that melatonin and NO are redox switches of HA2 S-nitrosylation for saline-alkali tolerance. Under natural saline-alkali conditions, tomato productivity was improved by grafting with COMT-, GSNOR-, or HA2-overexpression rootstocks, or by generating nonnitrosylated HA2C206S mutants. By establishing the melatonin–NO–HA2 module, this study illuminates a molecular function of melatonin and suggests possible genetic engineering strategies to improve agriculture.
Centering equity through in-person data collection: short report
Authors: Zaidi Izza , Dominguez Gomez Leonardo , Jordan Ashly E , Jessell Lauren , Harocopos Alex 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, data collection activities largely became tele-remote, excluding those who did not have the required technology or digital literacy.

Methods
Between June and September 2020, we collected data in-person from people who use opioids in New York City. Participants were recruited via street intercept and outside four syringe service programs in the city. Surveys were conducted outdoors, with researchers and participants wearing masks and maintaining physical distance.

Results
A total of 329 people participated in the survey. Participants reported an average age of 45.8 years, 69.6% identified as male, 32.6% identified as Hispanic/Latino/a and 22.3% identified as Black. Many experienced unstable housing/street homelessness (65.9%) and half did not have regular smartphone access (51.1%).

Conclusion
Many participants were struggling to meet their basic needs and did not have the resources to participate in tele-remote research or surveillance. In-person engagement may help researchers build trust, explain data security measures, and decrease technology and comprehension barriers. As data inform policies and programs, researchers must center equity by including under-engaged groups in data collection activities.
Impact of kidney function on stiffness of small conduit arteries in hypertension and obesity
Authors: Moriconi Diego , Nannipieri Monica , Badhwar Smriti , Taddei Stefano , Boutouyrie Pierre , Bruno Rosa Maria 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Arterial stiffness is a key cardiovascular risk factor influenced by conditions like hypertension, obesity and kidney function. Although large arteries have been extensively studied, small conduit arteries remain less investigated. This study aims to explore the impact of kidney function on small conduit artery stiffness in two distinct groups: normotensive individuals with severe obesity and normal-weight hypertensive individuals.

Methods:
Thirty-three severely obese (OB) individuals, 33 hypertensive (HT) individuals, and 33 normotensive, normal-weight control participants, matched for age and sex, were recruited. Eleven participants (33%) in both the OB and HT groups had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Aortic stiffness (carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity) was recorded. Ultrasound images of common carotid, radial, and interdigital arteries were acquired for the assessment of geometry, distensibility coefficient, circumferential wall stress, and Young's elastic modulus (Einc).

Results:
The OB group exhibited higher radial stiffness (both Einc and distensibility coefficient) compared to the HT and control groups, independent of radial diameter adjustments. An inverse correlation between eGFR and radial Einc was noted only in the OB group (P = 0.002). Conversely, a direct correlation between eGFR and carotid distensibility coefficient was found only in the HT group (P = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, eGFR and BMI were the only predictors of radial Einc in the overall population.

Conclusion:
Severe obesity and reduced eGFR synergistically increase radial artery stiffness, a phenomenon not observed in essential hypertension. This study suggests that moderate chronic kidney disease exacerbates vascular alterations in obese individuals, highlighting the need for further research on the role of small conduit arteries in cardiovascular risk.
Treatment of early hypertensive renal damage with Quanduzhong capsules: two case reports
Authors: Zhang Gao-Yu , Fan Jia-Rong , Wang Zi-Han , He Qing , Gao Xue-Fei , Li Xiao-Feng , Zhou Zhi-Gang , Cui Yu , Li Lin 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Hypertensive nephropathy is increasingly prevalent and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Current treatment strategies for hypertensive nephropathy focus on blood pressure control and reducing urinary albumin. However, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) medications carries risks, including a potential decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This report aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of Quanduzhong capsules (QDZCs) in early-stage hypertensive kidney damage, contributing to the evidence base for their use in traditional Chinese medicine for hypertension treatment.

Methods:
The patients, two middle-aged gentlemen with over a decade of hypertension in their medical history, were currently in the early phase of grade 1 hypertension. Notably, their blood pressure readings consistently exceeded the normal parameters. Furthermore, they exhibited signs of microalbuminuria and proteinuria in their clinical presentations. Based on these symptoms, they received a diagnosis of hypertensive kidney damage, specifically at the microalbuminuria stage.

Results:
After admission, the two patients took QDZCs for treatment. The medication method was: 2 times a day, 3 capsules each time. The results showed that the microalbuminuria of case 1 and the proteinuria of case 2 were reduced within 12 weeks after taking the medicine, and the average 24-h blood pressure was also reduced. Case 2 experienced a slight decrease in creatinine clearance and glomerular filtration rate after treatment, but the difference was not significant. During the 12-week follow-up period, there were no significant abnormalities in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance, and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Conclusion:
This case report shows that Quanduzhong capsule can lower blood pressure and improve symptoms of microalbuminuria and proteinuria in patients with early hypertensive renal damage, and may provide a promising treatment option for the management of early hypertensive renal damage. However, the evidence is preliminary and larger, controlled studies are needed to determine its efficacy and potential advantages.
Prospective relationships between left ventricular mass, brachial and central blood pressures in participants from the UK Biobank
Authors: Sharman James E. , Takeuchi Fumihiko , Protogerou Athanase , Weber Thomas , Wassertheurer Siegfried , Marwick Thomas H. 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Central SBP purports to aid hypertension management. This concept is founded on cross-sectional studies; however, findings are mixed and few report longitudinal relationships between changes in blood pressure (BP) and outcomes. This study aimed to determine associations of changes in brachial BP and central BP with changes in left ventricular mass index (LVMi), as an important hypertension-related clinical outcome.

Methods:
Standard brachial BP and central BP (Vicorder, Skidmore Medical, UK; a type 1 device, using SBP/DBP calibration) were measured at the same time as cardiac MRI for LVMi among adults from the UK Biobank Cohort Study assessed prospectively at two time points (2014+ and 2019+). Analysis was by linear regression adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results:
Data were evaluable for 681 participants (aged 50.1 ± 7.1 years, 54% women) followed over 3.2 ± 1.6 years [mean ± standard deviation (SD)]. Cross-sectional analysis showed the association of brachial SBP with LVMi [β ± standard error (SE) 3.47 × 10−2 ± 6.39 × 10−3 g/m2.7/mmHg] and central SBP with LVMi (β ± SE = 3.52 × 10−2 ± 6.40 × 10−3 g/m2.7/mmHg) were comparable (P < 0.001 both). In longitudinal analysis, associations between the changes in BP and changes in LVMi were identical for both central and brachial SBP (β ± SE = 0.011 ± 0.003 g/m2.7/mmHg; P < 0.001 both). Findings were unchanged if participants were stratified by age, LVMi quartile, BP category or central BP phenotype.

Conclusion:
Changes over time in standard brachial BP provide similar information to central BP on changes over time in LVMi. Whether these findings are generalizable must be further investigated in other cohorts and by other types of central BP devices.
Neutron Activation Dose Assessment Based on a Human Head Phantom Post-BNCT
Authors: Wu Guanchao , Lin Zuokang , Zhang Zijian , Lin Zhiyuan , Zhu Yinan , Dai Ye , Dai Zhimin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study aims to assess the residual radioactivity produced in the human head phantom following irradiation from a boron neutron capture therapy neutron source based on a 2.8 MeV proton accelerator. Using Monte Carlo software to simulate irradiation on a head phantom based on ICRP Publication 110, it was found that, in addition to the nuclides 24Na, 38Cl, and 42K reported in other literature, 32P is the nuclide that contributes the most to the internal exposure dose in patients post-BNCT. Calculations indicate that the effective dose resulting from 60 min of irradiation activation ranges between 148 and 401 μSv, which is relatively low. This study also analyzed the dose rate at a distance of 60 cm from the activated head. Approximately 5 min after irradiation ends, short-lived nuclides such as 19O and 20F decay completely, reducing the dose rate to below 1 μSv h−1. Although nuclides like 24Na will continue to emit radiation, the dose rate remains at a safe level.
An updated systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of the efficacy and safety of en bloc transurethral resection vs. conventional transurethral resection for non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor
Authors: Xu Zhunan , Wang Qihua , Bing Li , Hao Xuexue , Ren Congzhe , Chen Xiangyu , Liu Li , Liu Xiaoqiang 
Published: February 2025

Objective:
En bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) for non-muscular invasive bladder tumor (NMIBC) has been used in clinical practice, but its efficacy and safety have not been conclusional. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ERBT and conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (cTURBT) for NMIBC.

Methods:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ERBT and cTURBT in the treatment of NMIBC were searched in Pubmed, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov and Cochrane, 12 RCTs were included for systematic review and meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4.

Results:
A total of 12 RCTs involving 2097 patients with NMIBC were included and analyzed. The results showed the rate of identification of detrusor muscle in specimens (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.90; P = 0.03) was higher in ERBT group, and bladder perforation (OR 0.30; P = 0.004), obturator nerve reflex (OR 0.18; P = 0.001), catheter indwelling time (MD −0.64; P = 0.002), length of hospital stay (MD-0.58; P = 0.002), tumor recurrence rate 3 months after surgery (OR 0.42; P = 0.03), tumor recurrence rate 6 months after surgery (OR 0.21; P = 0.007), the recurrence rate of the same site 1 year after surgery (OR 0.23; P<0.0001) and bleeding rate (OR 0.30; P = 0.0005) were significantly lower in ERBT group than that in cTURBT group. There was no significant difference in residual tumor (OR 0.62; P = 0.07), Re-TURBT (OR 0.71; P = 0.19), hemoglobin deficit (MD-0.81; P = 0.29), urethral stricture (OR 0.67; P = 0.42), resection time (MD 2.31; P = 0.16), operative time (MD 1.17; P = 0.49), 1 year (OR 0.61; P = 0.13), 2 years (OR 0.94; P = 0.76), 3-year tumor recurrence rate (OR 1.03; P = 0.86) and the risk of progression at 12 month (OR 0.68; P = 0.79) between the two groups.

Conclusions:
Our results showed that ERBT can improve the rate of identification of detrusor muscle in specimens and reduce the 3-month, 6-month tumor recurrence rate and recurrence rate of the same site 1 year after surgery. In addition, ERBT has fewer complications, and shorter catheter indentation time and hospital stay. The laser ERBT can also decrease tumor residual rate and re-TURBT.
Respiratory infections in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Hinze Christopher Alexander , Simon Susanne , Gottlieb Jens 
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review
Morbidity and mortality rates after lung transplantation still remain higher than after other forms of solid organ transplantation, primarily due to a higher risk of infections and the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Thus, a tiered approach highlighting the most significant respiratory pathogens including common opportunistic infections along with diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies, including vaccination and prophylaxis is needed.

Recent findings
The need for intense immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection, coupled with the transplanted lung's constant exposure to environment and impaired local defence mechanisms leads to frequent infections. Viral and bacterial infections are most frequent while fungal infections mainly involve the tracheobronchial tract but may be fatal in case of disseminated disease. Some infectious agents are known to trigger acute rejection or contribute to chronic allograft dysfunction. Invasive testing in the form of bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage is standard and increasing experience in point of care testing is gained to allow early preemptive therapy.

Summary
Timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring are essential, but this can be difficult due to the wide variety of potential pathogens.