bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin Priming Promotes Crop Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment Under Flooding Stress by Mediating ABA, GA, and ROS Cascades
Authors: Luo Xiaofeng , Xu Xiaojing , Xu Jiahui , Zhao Xiaoting , Zhang Ranran , Shi Yiping , Xia Mingyu , Xian Baoshan , Zhou Wenguan , Zheng Chuan , Wei Shaowei , Wang Lei , Du Junbo , Liu Weiguo , Shu Kai 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBoth seed germination and subsequent seedling establishment are key checkpoints during the life cycle of seed plants, yet flooding stress markedly inhibits both processes, leading to economic losses from agricultural production. Here, we report that melatonin (MT) seed priming treatment enhances the performance of seeds from several crops, including soybean, wheat, maize, and alfalfa, under flooding stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed that MT priming promotes seed germination and seedling establishment associated with changes in abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) biosynthesis and signaling pathways. Real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) analysis confirmed that MT priming increases the expression levels of GA biosynthesis genes, ABA catabolism genes, and ROS biosynthesis genes while decreasing the expression of positive ABA regulatory genes. Further, measurements of ABA and GA concentrations are consistent with these trends. Following MT priming, quantification of ROS metabolism‐related enzyme activities and the concentrations of H2O2 and superoxide anions (O2−) after MT priming were consistent with the results of transcriptome analysis and qRT‐PCR. Finally, exogenous application of GA, fluridone (an ABA biosynthesis inhibitor), or H2O2 partially rescued the poor germination of non‐primed seeds under flooding stress. Collectively, this study uncovers the application and molecular mechanisms underlying MT priming in modulating crop seed vigor under flooding stress.
Making nonpunitive accountability matter: Exploring behavioral effects of nonpunitive accountability in a conjoint experiment
Authors: Schillemans Thomas , Aleksovska Marija 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPunitive measures (sanctions) are central to accountability. Their use is however costly as they harm relationships. Prior research shows that punitive measures often remain unused. Public sector actors further operate in informal accountability settings where punitive measures are absent. Additionally, doctrines such as New Public Governance prioritize informal networks above hierarchy and punitive measures. Against this background, we study when and why nonpunitive accountability can be effective. Three theoretical logics are developed for decision‐making behavior under the condition of accountability. We theorize account‐givers are driven by a combination of extrinsic, intrinsic, and relational motivation. A conjoint experiment is used to study decisions (N = 761) of administrative leaders in Denmark in varying nonpunitive accountability conditions. Our findings suggest that a combination of extrinsic motivation and relational motivation explains decisions of account‐givers in nonpunitive settings. The study expands our theoretical knowledge of the behavioral effects of accountability and offers insights for policy practitioners.
Development of a fully automated chemiluminescent immunoassay for the quantitative and qualitative detection of antibodies against African swine fever virus p72
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Duan , Zeng Daoping , Wang Shuangyun , Wu Jianwen , Liu Yanlin , Peng Guoliang , Xu Zheng , Jia Hong , Song Changxu 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

African swine fever (ASF), caused by ASF virus (ASFV), is a highly infectious and severe hemorrhagic disease of pigs that causes major economic losses. Currently, no commercial vaccine is available and prevention and control of ASF relies mainly on early diagnosis. Here, a novel automated double antigen sandwich chemiluminescent immunoassay (DAgS-aCLIA) was developed to detect antibodies against ASFV p72 (p72-Ab). For this purpose, recombinant p72 trimer was produced, coupled to magnetic particles as carriers and labeled with acridinium ester as a signal trace. Finally, p72-Ab can be sensitively and rapidly measured on an automated chemiluminescent instrument. For quantitative analysis, a calibration curve was established with a laudable linearity range of 0.21 to 212.0 ng/mL (R
2
= 0.9910) and a lower detection limit of 0.15 ng/mL. For qualitative analysis, a cut-off value was set at 1.50 ng/mL with a diagnostic sensitivity of 100.00% and specificity of 98.33%. Furthermore, antibody response to an ASF gene-deleted vaccine candidate can be accurately quantified using this DAgS-aCLIA, as evidenced by early seroconversion as early as 7 days post-immunization and high antibody levels. Compared with available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, this DAgS-aCLIA demonstrated a wider linearity range of 4 to 16-fold, and excellent analytical sensitivity and agreement of over 95.60%. In conclusion, our proposed DAgS-aCLIA would be an effective tool to support ASF epidemiological surveillance.

IMPORTANCE
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is highly contagious in wild boar and domestic pigs. There is currently no vaccine available for ASF, so serological testing is an important diagnostic tool. Traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays provide only qualitative results and are time and resource consuming. This study will develop an automated chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) that can quantitatively and qualitatively detect antibodies to ASFV p72, greatly reducing detection time and labour-intensive operation, and improving detection sensitivity and linearity range. This novel CLIA would serve as a reliable and convenient tool for ASF pandemic surveillance and vaccine development.
Dynamic Magnetic Susceptibility Method in Studies of Coordination Compounds
Authors: Efimov N. N. , Babeshkin K. A. , Rotov A. V. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The measurement of the dynamic magnetic susceptibility is a universal method, which is used for the evaluation of magnetic properties of single molecule magnets by scientists all over the world. An information in the Russian scientific literature that can be useful for practical mastering of this method is presently insufficient. To fill this gap, in this work we present a detailed procedure of a magnetochemical experiment for observing slow magnetic relaxation in coordination compounds of 3d- and 4f-element ions and the complete characterization of the dynamics of the magnetic behavior. Special attention is given to usually omitted but important details related to all stages of studying the magnetic relaxation dynamics. The main variants of sample preparation are described, the logics of the construction of a measuring sequence and the procedure of experimental data processing are discussed, and advantages and drawbacks of some programs of the calculation of magnetic relaxation dynamics data are considered. The main concepts and equations used in experimental data analysis are presented, and the primary conclusions that can be made from the obtained results are proposed.
As bleak as it sounds? Analysing trends in oncology clinical trial initiation in the UK from 2010 to 2022
Authors: VanHelene Alexander David , Hadfield Matthew J , Trapani Dario , Warner Jeremy Lyle , Lythgoe Mark P 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesThe UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (a political movement known as ‘Brexit’) incited concern both in the public and private sector about the future of drug development and the clinical trial landscape in the UK. This study evaluates trends in the initiation of phase III clinical trials that evaluated systemic anticancer treatments from 2010 to 2022 both in the UK and worldwide.Methods and analysisRelevant clinical trials were identified through ClinicalTrials.gov. Initiation date in each country was defined as the date that a study’s record was updated to include a recruiting site in the country of interest. Concurrent clinical site counts were defined as the number of facilities that contemporaneously hosted trials. Temporal trends in trial initiation and site counts were evaluated.ResultsOur analysis uncovered a worldwide increase in clinical trial initiation from 2013 to 2019. The UK experienced a decrease in clinical trial initiation immediately post-Brexit in 2020 but rebounded in 2021. The UK’s resurgence in clinical trials in 2021 was driven predominately by industry-funded trials. Other countries saw a similar increase in clinical trial initiation from 2020 to 2021.ConclusionsThe UK’s trends in phase III oncology clinical trial initiation from 2010 to 2022 largely reflects global trends, suggesting that other factors (eg, COVID-19 pandemic) beyond Brexit, may have had a stronger influence on clinical trial initiation within the UK.
Diabetes self-management: a qualitative study of education needs, practices and caregiver support in the Keta Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Tetteh Cynthia , Saah Farrukh Ishaque , Amu Hubert 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionA major part of diabetes management involves patients’ self-management. Poor self-management increases the risk of complications from the condition. Good self-management requires appropriate and adequate education and caregiver support, typically provided through structured diabetes education programmes. Education on various topics, including self-management, is a key component of diabetes management services in Ghana. However, challenges such as limited knowledge, economic constraints and sociocultural factors hinder self-management practices. We explored the self-management education (SME), practice and support needs of adults with type-2 diabetes (T2D) at the Keta Municipal Hospital.Research design and methodsThis phenomenological study involved 16 adults living with T2D and two healthcare providers in the Keta Municipality of Ghana. Data were collected through in-depth and expert interviews using interview guides. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to analyse the data using NVivo V.12.ResultsSME was provided within an hour during the first section of the monthly diabetes clinic covering dietary needs and restrictions, physical exercises, adherence to medication and wound prevention and care. SME needs were individualised SME and extension of education to the general population. The participants practised self-management activities. They attributed their improved practices to both the general group education and the individualised goals and input received during individual counselling sessions. Motivators for self-management were cues from negative health outcomes, wanting to survive the condition for a long time and SME received. Challenges to self-management entailed job roles, insufficient medication dosages and unavailability of medication at the hospital during review visits.ConclusionsThe study suggests that individualised SME and caregiver support may enhance self-management practices and outcomes. This underscores the significance of considering patient-specific factors and support systems when designing effective diabetes management strategies. The provision of comprehensive SME, including group and individual sessions, along with the utilisation of visual aids, can contribute to improved self-management outcomes.
Psychotherapy use among migrants: a register-based longitudinal study
Authors: Lehti Venla , Kieseppä Valentina , Gissler Mika , Suvisaari Jaana , Markkula Niina 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMigrants use less mental health services compared with non-migrant populations, but there is very little information on the use of long-term psychotherapy among migrants. Finnish register data allow for studying the whole migrant population in Finland and collecting data on all publicly supported rehabilitative psychotherapy.MethodsThis study is based on a sample of migrants (n=185 605) and Finnish-born controls (n=185 605). Participants who had received reimbursements for rehabilitative psychotherapy during 2007–2020 were identified from a register maintained by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. Cox regression analysis was used to study the effect of migrant status on the time until the start of therapy. Multinomial logistic regression was used to study the association between migrant status and the number of psychotherapy sessions.ResultsFinnish-born participants received psychotherapy more often (n=7258) than migrants (n=1516). The adjusted HR for initiating psychotherapy among migrants compared with Finnish-born individuals was 0.27 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.28). Migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia and recently arrived migrants were least likely to receive psychotherapy. Migrants were more likely to receive short treatment periods than Finnish-born controls.ConclusionLower use of rehabilitative psychotherapy among migrant population in Finland is not likely to reflect lower need for treatment. More efforts are needed to promote equal access to psychotherapy.
Occupational Benzene Exposure and Cancer Risk among Chinese Men: A Report from the Shanghai Men’s Health Study
Authors: DeMoulin Douglas , Cai Hui , Vermeulen Roel , Zheng Wei , Lipworth Loren , Shu Xiao-Ou 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Benzene exposure has been associated with increased risk of leukemia and other cancers; however, epidemiologic evidence is inconsistent for the latter, and confounding from smoking and alcohol was rarely adjusted.

Methods:
We investigated associations between occupational benzene exposure and risk of leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and lung, stomach, liver, and kidney cancers in a population-based cohort of 61,377 men, ages 40 to 74 years. A job-exposure matrix, constructed by industrial hygienists specifically for the study population, was used to derive cumulative benzene exposure from all jobs held. Cox regressions were performed to estimate adjusted HRs (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for benzene–cancer risk associations with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results:
Over 15 years of follow-up, 1,145 lung cancer, 656 stomach cancer, 445 liver cancer, 243 kidney cancer, 100 leukemia, 124 lymphoma, and 46 myeloma cases were identified. Benzene exposure &gt;550 mg/m3 was associated with an increased risk of leukemia (aHR = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1–4.5), lung cancer (aHR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0–1.6), and stomach cancer (aHR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0–1.9); benzene exposure was associated with early cancer diagnosis age. The benzene–leukemia and benzene–stomach cancer associations followed a linear dose–response pattern (Plinear = 0.016 and 0.023), whereas the benzene–lung cancer association was evident at higher exposure levels (Pnonlinear = 0.027). Alcohol consumption modified the benzene–leukemia association (aHR = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1–8.3 for drinkers and aHR = 0.9; 95% CI, 0.4–2.0 for nondrinkers, Pinteraction = 0.047).

Conclusions:
Benzene exposure was associated with an increased risk of leukemia, stomach cancer, and lung cancer. Alcohol consumption may modify the benzene–leukemia association, although estimates are imprecise.

Impact:
Our study provides additional evidence that benzene exposure increases cancer risk beyond leukemia, information important for policymakers to develop programs to mitigate cancer risk among benzene-exposed workers.
Impact of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy on Recurrence-Free Survival in Patients with High-Risk Localized HCC
Authors: Nakazawa Mari , Fang Mike , Vong Tyrus , Zorzi Jane , Griffith Paige , Anders Robert A. , Oshima Kiyoko , Kim Amy K. , Laurin Jacqueline , Lafaro Kelly J. , Shubert Christopher R. , Burns William R. , He Jin , Burkhart Richard A. , Philosophe Benjamin , Meyer Jeffrey , Liddell Robert P. , Georgiades Christos , Hong Kelvin , Ho Won Jin , Baretti Marina , Strauss Alexandra T. , Yarchoan Mark 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Surgical resection for localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is typically reserved for a minority of patients with favorable tumor features and anatomy. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy can expand the number of patients who are candidates for surgical resection and potentially reduce the chance for recurrence, but its role in HCC not defined. We retrospectively examined the outcomes of patients who underwent surgical resection for HCC at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and compared the clinical outcomes of patients who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy with those who underwent upfront resection. The clinical cohort included a total of 92 patients, 36 of whom received neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based treatment. A majority of patients (61.1%) who received neoadjuvant ICI–based therapy were outside of standard resectability criteria and were more likely to have features known to confer risk of disease recurrence, including α-fetoprotein ≥ 400 ng/mL (P = 0.02), tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm (P = 0.001), portal vein invasion (P &lt; 0.001), and multifocality (P &lt; 0.001). Patients who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy had similar rates of margin-negative resection (P = 0.47) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) as those who underwent upfront surgical resection (median RFS 44.8 months compared with 49.3 months, respectively, log-rank P = 0.66). There was a nonsignificant trend toward superior RFS in the subset of patients with a pathologic response (tumor necrosis ≥ 70%) with neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Neoadjuvant ICI-based therapy may allow high-risk patients, including those who are outside traditional resectability criteria, to achieve comparable clinical outcomes with those who undergo upfront resection.

Significance:
Surgical resection for localized HCC is typically only reserved for those with solitary tumors without vascular invasion. In this retrospective analysis, we show that neoadjuvant immunotherapy may allow high-risk patients, including those who are outside of standard resection criteria, to undergo successful margin-negative resection and achieve comparable long-term clinical outcomes compared with upfront resection. These findings highlight need for prospective studies on neoadjuvant immunotherapy in HCC.
Muslim Neophytes in Venice: Enslaved and Free People, 1750–1824
Authors: Bonazza Giulia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This article focuses on continuity in the practice of the conversion of Muslims and its social implications in Venice in the period 1750–1824. Neophytes were people of other religious confessions who converted and were baptized as Catholics. Among neophytes of Muslim origin in Venice at this time were enslaved people, formerly enslaved individuals, and free men and women, as well as others of uncertain status. While the article discerns patterns of continuity in the practice of the conversion of Muslims and the wider experience of enslaved people in Venice, it argues that significant changes occurred after the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797. These developments emerged in response to the shifting political climate and legal reforms of the Napoleonic period (1806–1814) and the post-1814 period in which Venice came under Austrian rule, culminating in a reduction in the number of neophytes and enslaved people in the city. The geographical origins of the neophytes ranged from the Ottoman Empire and its regencies to Eastern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Atlantic. Sources from Venice’s Pius House of Catechumens reveal the types of work the neophytes performed and indicate how changes in ownership dictated slaves’ or former slaves’ trajectories before their arrival in Venice. The article also highlights how religious conversion from Islam to Catholicism was a watershed moment for individuals, one that had a major bearing on their living and working conditions and, in some cases, their social status.
New Revision of China’s Marine Environmental Protection Law
Authors: Zou Keyuan , Tan Ying 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
China’s Marine Environmental Protection Law was first adopted in August 1982 and came into force on 1 March 1983, and since then, it has gone through two revisions and three amendments. The latest revision in 2023 reflects China’s determination to further strengthen the protection of the marine environment and to prepare itself to meet new challenges and needs. This short article first provides a brief historical background of the Law and then evaluates some key changes in the 2023 revision. Finally, it highlights some features of the changes and pinpoints some concerns remaining in the Law even after the revision.
Association of Well-Being in Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Enhanced Personal Health and Social Support: A Nationally Representative Cohort Study
Authors: Chung Ping-Chen , Chiang Yen-Sheng , Liu Yi-Chien , Chuang Yi-Fang , Hsu Hsiao-Han , Chan Ta-Chien 
Published: August 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between multidimensional factors, such as environment, health status, behavior, social support, and the well-being of middle-aged and older adults. Methods: This study utilized data from 2 waves of the nationally representative Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging Survey Report (TLSA) conducted in 2015 and 2019. The TLSA assesses socioeconomic status, physical and health status, the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5 index), and social support. Data regarding the degree of digital development were obtained from the 2020 Township Digital Development Report. We applied a generalized estimating equation (GEE) to analyze the influencing factors. Results: This study included 4796 participants. Residing in areas with a higher degree of digital development, having a higher socioeconomic status, and experiencing better physical and mental health were significantly associated with well-being. Furthermore, emotional and attentive support mediated the association between physical and mental status and well-being. Conclusion: People’s awareness of searching for and receiving social support and medical resources is important for enhancing their well-being. It is also crucial to pay attention to the living environment and maintain one’s health status to promote well-being.