bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meeting the challenges of wheat production through a skillful mix of new varieties, commercialization and technology adoption
Authors: Bhooshan Neeru , Singh Amarjeet , Sharma Akriti , Prabhu K.V. 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The role of Technology Transfer Units, examined in this study, was found to be vital to expedite the process of disseminating new varieties and their production technology.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 1,000 households were surveyed in the sampled states. A probit model was used to analyse.

Findings
Age, education, land holding, tractor use and number of working family members in agriculture were found to significantly affecting adoption of the new seed varieties. Technology transfer through licensing has impacted the adoption of new seed varieties positively by highlighting Punjab possessing the highest adoption and western Uttar Pradesh was majorly adopting the old variety.

Research limitations/implications
The authors believed in farmers’ memory to recall the varietal information of wheat.

Practical implications
The study recommended various incentives to attract the seed industry in UP to minimize the economic loss potentially suffered by them.

Social implications
Quality seeds are germane to increase the productivity of crops, and it is paramount to disburse the seed varieties to the end users in an efficient way to achieve the overall objective of productivity enhancement.

Originality/value
In this context, a study was conducted in three states of India, namely, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (UP) to find out the adoption rate of newly developed varieties of wheat, HD 3086 after three years (2014–2015) of its commercialization by IARI as well as HD 2967, which was released in 2011.
Sustainable banking and trust in the global South
Authors: Ubeda Fernando , Mendez Alvaro , Forcadell Francisco Javier 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTrust in banking plays a significant role in promoting financial inclusion. Multinational banks (MNBs) have the potential to enhance trust by adopting sustainable banking practices. We investigate the impact of MNBs' adoption of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices on trust in banking in 38 developing countries. Using an instrumental variable approach and control function estimation, our findings indicate that sustainable practices by commercial MNBs are positively and significantly associated with increased trust in banking. The results remain consistent across different samples, lending robustness to our findings. By demonstrating the importance of sustainable banking in fostering trust, this study contributes to the limited literature on trust in banking in the global South.
Predicting risk of subsequent pregnancy loss among women with recurrent pregnancy loss: An immunological factor‐based multivariable model
Authors: Mu Fangxiang , Wang Mei , Zeng Xianghui , Wang Fang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractProblemStudies on subsequent pregnancy loss prediction models specific for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) patients are very limited. This study aims to develop a risk predictive model based on the immunological parameters for the subsequent pregnancy loss risk in northwest Chinese RPL patients.Method of studyTotally of 357 RPL patients recruited from Lanzhou University Second Hospital were included in this retrospective study. Univariate analysis was performed on RPL patients with outcomes of live birth or pregnancy loss. Subsequently, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression were utilized to select variables among baseline and clinical characteristics and to develop a pregnancy loss risk prediction model with all 357 RPL patients. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analyses were used to evaluate the performance of the prediction model; moreover, 10‐fold cross‐validation was used for internal validation.ResultsTen factors of maternal age, age of menarche, previous pregnancy loss, IL‐10, complement 4, IgA, antiprothrombin antibody IgG/IgM, rheumatoid factor IgA, and lupus anticoagulant (LA) 1/LA2 ratio were finally selected as variables for the prediction model of pregnancy loss risk. The AUC value and Hosmer–Lemeshow test p‐value of the model were .707 and .599, respectively, indicating a satisfactory discrimination and calibration performance. Moreover, the clinical decision curve suggested this prediction model have a good positive net benefit.ConclusionsThis is the first prediction model for the risk of subsequent pregnancy loss in northwest Chinese women with RPL, providing a user‐friendly tool to clinicians for the early prediction and timely management of RPL patients.
Review article: New developments in biomarkers and clinical drug development in alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency‐related liver disease
Authors: Loomba Rohit , Clark Ginger , Teckman Jeff , Ajmera Veeral , Behling Cynthia , Brantly Mark , Brenner David , D'Armiento Jeanine , Fried Michael W. , Iyer Janani S. , Mandorfer Mattias , Rockey Don C. , Tincopa Monica , Vuppalanchi Raj , Younossi Zobair , Krag Aleksander , Turner Alice M. , Strnad Pavel 
Published: March 2024

SummaryBackgroundAlpha‐1 antitrypsin liver disease (AATLD) occurs in a subset of patients with alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency. Risk factors for disease progression and specific pathophysiologic features are not well known and validated non‐invasive assessments for disease severity are lacking. Currently, there are no approved treatments for AATLD.AimsTo outline existing understanding of AATLD and to identify knowledge gaps critical to improving clinical trial design and development of new treatments.MethodsThis report was developed following a multi‐stakeholder forum organised by the Alpha‐1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Related Liver Disease Expert Panel in which experts presented an overview of the available literature on this topic.ResultsAATLD results from a ‘gain of toxic function’ and primarily manifests in those with the homozygous Pi*ZZ genotype. Accumulation of misfolded ‘Z’ AAT protein in liver cells triggers intracellular hepatocyte injury which may ultimately lead to hepatic fibrosis. Male gender, age over 50 years, persistently elevated liver tests, concomitant hepatitis B or C virus infection, and metabolic syndrome, including obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, are known risk factors for adult AATLD. While the gold standard for assessing AATLD disease activity is liver histology, less invasive measures with low intra‐ and inter‐observer variability are needed. Measurement of liver stiffness shows promise; validated thresholds for staging AATLD are in development. Such advances will help patients by enabling risk stratification and personalised surveillance, along with streamlining the development process for novel therapies.ConclusionsThis inaugural forum generated a list of recommendations to address unmet needs in the field of AATLD.
Social and Emotional Functions of Institutional Touch in the Relational Care of Young Children
Authors: Cekaite Asta , Wirzén Madeleine 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTThis study reports results concerning close embodied practices, involving touch, in early childhood care settings in Sweden during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The data—video recordings of everyday practices in contexts of childcare—were collected during various phases of the pandemic. The study demonstrates a broad range of uses of touch, by adults and children themselves in various age groups and for various social purposes. Touch as embodied intimacy was initiated by educators, and by children, both within their peer group and towards educators. Touch served the purposes of embodied intimacy, emotion regulation, social affiliation, social control, instructions and play. We highlight the detailed ways in which practitioners' actions sustain children's bodily integrity and provide them with embodied agency, participation and learning. Professional touch practices with young children are discussed in the context of ‘no‐touch’ views in social work and care work with children. It is suggested that insights into the social and emotional uses of institutional touch can inform social work practice, especially child and family social work, and residential care.
Community coherence, collective efficacy and civic engagement in student and youth councils: The mediating effect of community resilience
Authors: Asherov Einav Amram , Gross Zehavit 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study examines relationships between community coherence and collective efficiency, and civic engagement, and the role of community resilience within such relationships, as seen in youth council frameworks. The participants included a group of 223 members of youth councils in Israel and a group of 568 non‐members, aged 14–18. The quantitative research tool comprised the Civic Engagement questionnaire; Conjoint Community Resiliency Assessment Measure; Sence of Community Coherence Questionnaire; and Collective Efficacy Questionnaire. Positive relationships were found between community coherence and collective efficiency, and civic engagement for both groups, yet community resilience was only a mediating factor in this relationship for the non‐member group.
SESN1 functions as a new tumor suppressor gene via Toll‐like receptor signaling pathway in neuroblastoma
Authors: Hua Zhongyan , Chen Bo , Gong Baocheng , Lin Meizhen , Ma Yifan , Li Zhijie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimsNeuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children, with a 5‐year survival rate of <50% in high‐risk patients. MYCN amplification is an important factor that influences the survival rate of high‐risk patients. Our results indicated MYCN regulates the expression of SESN1. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of SESN1 in NB.MethodssiRNAs or overexpression plasmids were used to change MYCN, SESN1, or MyD88's expression. The role of SESN1 in NB cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was elucidated. Xenograft mice models were built to evaluate SESN1's effect in vivo. The correlation between SESN1 expression and clinicopathological data of patients with NB was analyzed. RNA‐Seq was done to explore SESN1's downstream targets.ResultsSESN1 was regulated by MYCN in NB cells. Knockdown SESN1 promoted NB cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion, and overexpressing SESN1 had opposite functions. Knockdown SESN1 promoted tumor growth and shortened tumor‐bearing mice survival time. Low expression of SESN1 had a positive correlation with poor prognosis in patients with NB. RNA‐Seq showed that Toll‐like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, and PD‐L1 expression and PD‐1 checkpoint pathway in cancer were potential downstream targets of SESN1. Knockdown MyD88 or TLRs inhibitor HCQ reversed the effect of knockdown SESN1 in NB cells. High expression of SESN1 was significantly associated with a higher immune score and indicated an active immune microenvironment for patients with NB.ConclusionsSESN1 functions as a new tumor suppressor gene via TLR signaling pathway in NB.
Epidemiology and outcomes associated with enterococcal blood stream infection among liver and kidney transplant recipients
Authors: He Kevin D. , Naqvi Syed Suhaib , Cowan Vanessa L. , Stack Conor M. , Alonso Carolyn D. , Blair Barbra M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBloodstream infections (BSIs) account for 18% of bacterial infections in the first year after solid organ transplantation (SOT). Enterococcus accounts for up to 20% of BSIs in this population, with vancomycin‐resistant enterococcus (VRE) posing a particular risk. This is a retrospective, case‐control study of adult liver and kidney transplant recipients between 01/01/2016 and 06/30/2021 that characterizes the epidemiology and outcomes of enterococcal BSIs in liver and kidney transplantations at a single institution. Subjects with an enterococcal BSI within the first 6 months post‐transplant were compared to those with non‐enterococcal BSIs in the same period. We identified 26 subjects with enterococcal BSIs and 28 controls with non‐enterococcal BSIs (n = 54; 10.3%). Cases were mostly liver transplant recipients (n = 20; 77%) with a median MELD at transplant of 33 (range 14–43); controls included 14 KT recipients (50%). Groups differed significantly (all p < .05) by factors including perioperative transfusion requirements, need for reoperation, and number of interventions post‐transplant. Cases had a median time of 25.5 days to infection and controls 100.5 days (p < .0001). There were no differences in 1‐year mortality between the groups. Enterococcus faecium was the predominant species of Enterococcus (n = 23; 88.5%), with a majority (91.3%) of the isolates being VRE. In our liver and kidney transplants, enterococcal BSIs occurred early among liver transplant recipients. The high incidence of VRE among E. faecium isolates in this population warrants further investigation into the optimal approach to empiric antimicrobials for bacteremia in the early post‐transplant period.
Clinical dose rationale of tislelizumab in patients with solid or hematological advanced tumors
Authors: Yu Tian , Liu Xiangyu , Wu Chi‐Yuan , Tang Zhiyu , Wang Hongwei , Schnell Patrick , Wan Ya , Wang Kun , Liu Lucy , Gao Yuying , Sahasranaman Srikumar , Budha Nageshwar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTislelizumab, an anti‐programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated improved survival benefits over standard of care for multiple cancer indications. We present the clinical rationale and data supporting tislelizumab dose recommendation in patients with advanced tumors. The phase I, first‐in‐human, dose‐finding BGB‐A317‐001 study (data cutoff [DCO]: August 2017) examined the following tislelizumab dosing regimens: 0.5–10 mg/kg every 2 weeks (q2w), 2–5 mg/kg q2w or q3w, and 200 mg q3w. Similar objective response rates (ORRs) were reported in the 2 and 5 mg/kg q2w or q3w cohorts. Safety outcomes (grade ≥3 adverse events [AEs], AEs leading to dose modification/discontinuation, immune‐mediated AEs, and infusion‐related reactions) were generally comparable across the dosing range examined. These results, alongside the convenience of a fixed q3w dose, formed the basis of choosing 200 mg q3w as the recommended dosing regimen for further clinical use. Pooled exposure–response (E–R) analyses by logistic regression using data from study BGB‐A317‐001 (DCO: August 2020) and three additional phase I/II studies (DCOs: 2018–2020) showed no statistically significant correlation between tislelizumab pharmacokinetic exposure and ORR across multiple solid tumor types or classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, nor was exposure associated with any of the safety end points evaluated over the dose range tested. Hence, tislelizumab showed a relatively flat E–R relationship. Overall, the totality of data, including efficacy, safety, and E–R analyses, together with the relative convenience of a fixed q3w dose, provided clinical rationale for the recommended dosing regimen of tislelizumab 200 mg q3w for multiple cancer indications.
Communicatio idiomatum in deep incarnation
Authors: Peters Ted 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe communicatio idiomatum (the exchange of divine and human properties or attributes), apparently discarded by the Council of Chalcedon in 451, becomes central to both Christology and the life of faith during the Lutheran Reformation. In our own century, the communicatio idiomatum has been expanded and deepened to incorporate all that is biological and even physical, turning the entire history of creation into the eschatological body of Christ, the second person of the Holy Trinity.
Editing of 3D images in echocardiographic evaluation of mitral valve: Is there any correlation with photography?
Authors: Suma Sergio 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEditing of 3D raw images acquired during transesophageal echocardiography could be similar to the post processing of raw images with digital software used in photography. 3D image editing in echocardiography is often underestimated in clinical practice, and people are satisfied with the first 3D image they are able to obtain during transesophageal examination. In fact, it is often believed to represent solely an aesthetic addition that does not change the information already obtained with 2D and baseline 3D. In reality, it represents a crucial moment to better understand the mechanisms of mitral pathology, avoiding artifacts and misjudgments. The importance of acquiring raw 3D images of the valve having all the necessary information (ring, the leaflet in toto, the right frame rate) allows us then to edit them making them more beautiful and clearer from the point of view of the information received. Nevertheless, by exclusively acquiring a raw 3D with all the necessary information, we can quickly finish the transesophageal examination, reducing its duration and discomfort for the patient, as well as the inherent risk of complications related to the procedure per se.
The efficiency of Thymus vulgaris, Lavandula angustifolia, and Cupressus sempervirens essential oils in suppression of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus on Fraxinus angustifolia seedlings
Authors: Vemić Aleksandar , Popović Vladan , Lučić Aleksandar , Kudláček Tomáš , Radulović Zlatan , Ćosić Milivoje , Rakonjac Ljubinko 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDue to intense ash dieback, this research tested the bioactivity of Thymus vulgaris, Lavandula angustifolia, and Cupressus sempervirens essential oils (EO) against Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. In vitro testing showed that EOs had a pronounced fungitoxic effect on H. fraxineus. The most effective EO was extracted from T. vulgaris, while EOs obtained from L. angustifolia and C. sempervirens were less effective and showed the same effect. At a concentration of 1%, all tested EOs inhibited mycelial growth, while 0.01% and 0.1% concentrations of EO extracted from T. vulgaris also inhibited the growth of H. fraxineus. The in planta test of EO extracted from T. vulgaris conducted on three‐year‐old Fraxinus angustifolia seedlings showed a reduction in the size of necrotic lesions and a better crown condition compared to untreated seedlings. This research demonstrates, for the first time, the efficiency of EOs in suppressing ash dieback making a path for the development of new biological protection measures against H. fraxineus.
Plant mucilage increases pull‐out resistance of root analogues from soil
Authors: Li Rong , Zhang Chaobo , Raffan Annette , Hallett Paul D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe interface between plants' roots and soil is strongly affected by rhizodeposits, especially mucilage, that change mechanical and hydrological behaviour. In addition to impacts to aggregation, water capture and root penetration, rhizodeposits may also affect the pull‐out resistance of plant roots. Due to the complex architecture of plant roots and an inability to restrict rhizodeposit production, this study used a simplified system of wooden skewers to simulate roots and chia seed mucilage as a model to simulate rhizodeposit compounds. Pull‐out tests were then carried out to measure the impacts of mucilage, and one (WD1) or two (WD2) cycles of wetting and drying of soils. Using a mechanical test frame, the maximum pull‐out resistance (Fmax) and pull‐out displacement (dL) were recorded, allowing for pull‐out energy (E), average pull‐out force () and bond strength (τmax) to be calculated. The results showed that all pull‐out parameters of the samples with added rhizodeposit compounds tended to decrease between WD1 and WD2, but they were still significantly greater than without the added mucilage. The model rhizodeposit increased all pull‐out parameters by a minimum of 30%. With an additional wet–dry cycle, the mucilage tended to cause a decline in pull‐out parameters relative to a single wet‐dry cycle. This suggests mucilages could enhance the mechanical resistance of roots to pull‐out, but resistance decreases over time with cycles of wetting and drying. To conclude, an important role of mucilage is pull‐out resistance, which has relevance to plant anchorage and root reinforcement of soils.
Resource gaps pose the greatest threat for bumblebees during the colony establishment phase
Authors: Becher Matthias A. , Twiston‐Davies Grace , Osborne Juliet L. , Lander Tonya A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A common management intervention to support declining wild pollinators is ‘pollinator planting’. However, despite years of inclusion in conservation initiatives, global pollinator declines continue.
Using the agent‐based model BEE‐STEWARD with two example species, Bombus terrestris (L. 1758) and B. pascuorum (Scopoli, 1763) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), we explore when during the year bumblebee resource demand is the highest and how that relates to seasonal changes in colony composition (numbers of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults). We then examine the impact of two‐week periods of resource scarcity across the year. Finally, we explore how enhancement with early spring‐blooming herbaceous species or trees changes colony survival and queen production.
In the United Kingdom, there is a previously under‐appreciated ‘hungry gap’ for bumblebees in March–April, before the peak flight period, driven by the demands of larvae for protein and thermoregulation in the colony, rather than the number of adult bees.
A 2‐week gap in forage availability during this period drives a 50%–87% drop in the production of daughter queens. Adding early‐blooming species in the model had significant, positive, long‐term effects on colony survival probability and daughter queen production.
Pollinator‐planting initiatives in both national and international conservation schemes need to include plants that flower up to 1 month before the adults of target social pollinator species are apparent in the field, during the period that larvae dominate the colony. This approach is likely to increase colony survival and queen production, contributing towards halting and reversing global pollinator decline.
The lack of either IRF9, or STAT2, has surprisingly little effect on human natural killer cell development and function
Authors: Calvo‐Apalategi Ane , Nevado Marta López , Bravo‐Gallego Luz Yadira , González‐Granado Luis Ignacio , Allende Luis M. , Pena Rebeca Rodríguez , López‐Granados Eduardo , Reyburn Hugh T. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAnalysis of genetically defined immunodeficient patients allows study of the effect of the absence of specific proteins on human immune function in real‐world conditions. Here we have addressed the importance of type I interferon signalling for human NK cell development by studying the phenotype and function of circulating NK cells isolated from patients suffering primary immunodeficiency disease due to mutation of either the human interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9) or the signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) genes. IRF9, together with phosphorylated STAT1 and STAT2, form a heterotrimer called interferon stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) which promotes the expression of hundreds of IFN‐stimulated genes that mediate antiviral function triggered by exposure to type I interferons. IRF9‐ and STAT2‐deficient patients are unable to respond efficiently to stimulation by type I interferons and so our experiments provide insights into the importance of type I interferon signalling and the consequences of its impairment on human NK cell biology. Surprisingly, the NK cells of these patients display essentially normal phenotype and function.