bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of adoption and adoption intensity of integrated soil fertility management technologies among sorghum farmers in Upper Eastern Kenya
Authors: Kiprotich Shadrack , Mogaka Hezron , Ndirangu Samuel Njiri , Onyari Charles Nyambane 
Published: August 2023

AbstractClimate change manifestations and population pressure are some of the most critical challenges that affect agricultural productivity. Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies are among the agricultural innovations that have been developed to address declining crop productivity. These technologies have been promoted across diverse areas including marginal agro‐ecological zones. Despite the nobility and versatility of ISFM technologies, their adoption is still low particularly across Kenya landscapes. Consequently, there is limited knowledge explaining the adoption of these technologies especially in the dry areas. This study therefore, applied Cragg's Double Hurdle model to determine the factors affecting adoption and adoption intensity of ISFM technologies among farmers in Upper Eastern Kenya, who mainly grow sorghum both as a food and a cash crop. The results revealed that gender, dependants, farming goal for subsistence purpose (p < .01), decision on information use, farm size, extension services, research awareness, ISFM awareness and ISFM access, significantly affected household decision on adoption of ISFM technologies. On the other hand, gender of household head, farm size, main source of agricultural information and formal agricultural training had significant influence on adoption intensity of ISFM technologies. There is a thus a crucial need for integration of determinants surrounding adoption and adoption intensity of ISFM technologies in policy making and planning processes to enhance sorghum crop productivity in marginal Upper Eastern areas of the country.
Emplacement and associated sedimentary record of the Jurassic submarine salt allochthon of the Wurzeralm (Eastern Alps, Austria)
Authors: Kurz Maditha , Fernandez Oscar , Eggerth Lino , Grasemann Bernhard , Strauss Philipp 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA fossil salt sheet emplaced in the Jurassic in submarine conditions is described in the Eastern Alps of Austria, providing unique insights into the emplacement of similar submarine structures and their potential control on depositional systems. The salt sheet is a plug‐fed extrusion emplaced due to squeezing of a salt diapir under compression. The preserved mylonitic shear fabric in the evaporites indicates radial, south‐directed emplacement of the salt sheet. Tectono‐sedimentary relationships record the evolution of the salt structure, from initial diapiric growth, to salt sheet extrusion and posterior collapse. Syn‐extrusion sediments record the variable bathymetry of the extruding salt sheet, with reefal carbonates building up on the crestal bulge while their deeper water equivalents accumulated on the extruding salt lobe. This is the first description of a salt allochthon still linked to its source diapir in the Eastern Alps.
Transcription factor PbbZIP4 is targeted for proteasome‐mediated degradation by the ubiquitin ligase PbATL18 to influence pear's resistance to Colletotrichum fructicola by regulating the expression of PbNPR3
Authors: Lin Likun , Yuan Kaili , Xing Caihua , Qiao Qinghai , Chen Qiming , Dong Huizhen , Qi Kaijie , Xie Zhihua , Chen Xianchu , Huang Xiaosan , Zhang Shaoling 
Published: August 2023

SUMMARYPear anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum fructicola is one of the main fungal diseases in all pear‐producing areas. The degradation of ubiquitinated proteins by the 26S proteasome is a regulatory mechanism of eukaryotes. E3 ubiquitin ligase is substrate specific and is one of the most diversified and abundant enzymes in the regulation mechanism of plant ubiquitination. Although numerous studies in other plants have shown that the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins by the 26S proteasome is closely related to plant immunity, there are limited studies on them in pear trees. Here, we found that an E3 ubiquitin ligase, PbATL18, interacts with and ubiquitinates the transcription factor PbbZIP4, and this process is enhanced by C. fructicola infection. PbATL18 overexpression in pear callus enhanced resistance to C. fructicola infection, whereas PbbZIP4 overexpression increased sensitivity to C. fructicola infection. Silencing PbATL18 and PbbZIP4 in Pyrus betulaefolia seedlings resulted in opposite effects, with PbbZIP4 silencing enhancing resistance to C. fructicola infection and PbATL18 silencing increasing sensitivity to C. fructicola infection. Using yeast one‐hybrid screens, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and dual‐luciferase assays, we demonstrated that the transcription factor PbbZIP4 upregulated the expression of PbNPR3 by directly binding to its promoter. PbNPR3 is one of the key genes in the salicylic acid (SA) signal transduction pathway that can inhibit SA signal transduction. Here, we proposed a PbATL18‐PbbZIP4‐PbNPR3‐SA model for plant response to C. fructicola infection. PbbZIP4 was ubiquitinated by PbATL18 and degraded by the 26S proteasome, which decreased the expression of PbNPR3 and promoted SA signal transduction, thereby enhancing plant C. fructicola resistance. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of pear response to C. fructicola infection, which can serve as a theoretical basis for breeding superior disease‐resistant pear varieties.
Statistical modeling of mRNP transport in dendrites: A comparative analysis of β‐actin and Arc mRNP dynamics
Authors: Ahn Hyerim , Durang Xavier , Shim Jae Youn , Park Gaeun , Jeon Jae‐Hyung , Park Hye Yoon 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLocalization of messenger RNA (mRNA) in dendrites is crucial for regulating gene expression during long‐term memory formation. mRNA binds to RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) to form messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) complexes that are transported by motor proteins along microtubules to their target synapses. However, the dynamics by which mRNPs find their target locations in the dendrite have not been well understood. Here, we investigated the motion of endogenous β‐actin and Arc mRNPs in dissociated mouse hippocampal neurons using the MS2 and PP7 stem‐loop systems, respectively. By evaluating the statistical properties of mRNP movement, we found that the aging Lévy walk model effectively describes both β‐actin and Arc mRNP transport in proximal dendrites. A critical difference between β‐actin and Arc mRNPs was the aging time, the time lag between transport initiation and measurement initiation. The longer mean aging time of β‐actin mRNP (~100 s) compared with that of Arc mRNP (~30 s) reflects the longer half‐life of constitutively expressed β‐actin mRNP. Furthermore, our model also permitted us to estimate the ratio of newly generated and pre‐existing β‐actin mRNPs in the dendrites. This study offers a robust theoretical framework for mRNP transport, which provides insight into how mRNPs locate their targets in neurons.
Modelling of contaminant transport in heterogeneous vertical barrier
Authors: Shaoyi Wang , Jiawei Wu , Peifu Cai , Cong Chen , Shenghua Ye , Jianqiang Xu , Liang Chen , Xiaoyong Luo , Jun Wei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractVertical barrier technique is an ideal candidate for site contamination control. In practical application, the characteristic of vertical cut‐off wall is heterogeneous with permeability decreases with depth due to the increasing geostatic stress. In this study, a numerical model was established considering the coupling effect of groundwater flow and contaminant transport considering depth dependent permeability. The results showed that a heterogeneous barrier with variable permeability can reduce the breakthrough time by 63.7% compared to a fixed permeability barrier. The contaminant concentration inside the wall was up to 10 times higher than outside. Shallow leakage occurs where the horizontal migration is dominated by advection. The distribution of pore‐water pressure in the system after the installation of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) membranes significantly reduced the shallow convective effect by reducing up to 90% pore‐water pressure. Reinforcing the vertical barrier wall using HDPE membrane can effectively prevent the shallow leakage caused by the heterogeneity.
Antibody‐mediated rejection in xenotransplantation: Can it be prevented or reversed?
Authors: Habibabady Zahra , McGrath Gannon , Kinoshita Kohei , Maenaka Akihiro , Ikechukwu Ileka , Elias Gabriela F. , Zaletel Tjasa , Rosales Ivy , Hara Hidetaka , Pierson Richard N. , Cooper David K. C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAntibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) is the commonest cause of failure of a pig graft after transplantation into an immunosuppressed nonhuman primate (NHP). The incidence of AMR compared to acute cellular rejection is much higher in xenotransplantation (46% vs. 7%) than in allotransplantation (3% vs. 63%) in NHPs. Although AMR in an allograft can often be reversed, to our knowledge there is no report of its successful reversal in a pig xenograft. As there is less experience in preventing or reversing AMR in models of xenotransplantation, the results of studies in patients with allografts provide more information. These include (i) depletion or neutralization of serum anti‐donor antibodies, (ii) inhibition of complement activation, (iii) therapies targeting B or plasma cells, and (iv) anti‐inflammatory therapy. Depletion or neutralization of anti‐pig antibody, for example, by plasmapheresis, is effective in depleting antibodies, but they recover within days. IgG‐degrading enzymes do not deplete IgM. Despite the expression of human complement‐regulatory proteins on the pig graft, inhibition of systemic complement activation may be necessary, particularly if AMR is to be reversed. Potential therapies include (i) inhibition of complement activation (e.g., by IVIg, C1 INH, or an anti‐C5 antibody), but some complement inhibitors are not effective in NHPs, for example, eculizumab. Possible B cell‐targeted therapies include (i) B cell depletion, (ii) plasma cell depletion, (iii) modulation of B cell activation, and (iv) enhancing the generation of regulatory B and/or T cells. Among anti‐inflammatory agents, anti‐IL6R mAb and TNF blockers are increasingly being tested in xenotransplantation models, but with no definitive evidence that they reverse AMR. Increasing attention should be directed toward testing combinations of the above therapies. We suggest that treatment with a systemic complement inhibitor is likely to be most effective, possibly combined with anti‐inflammatory agents (if these are not already being administered). Ultimately, it may require further genetic engineering of the organ‐source pig to resolve the problem entirely, for example, knockout or knockdown of SLA, and/or expression of PD‐L1, HLA E, and/or HLA‐G.
Preservice Teachers’ Assessment Literacy Within Models-Based Practice
Authors: Starck Jenna , Sinelnikov Oleg A. , Richards Kevin Andrew 
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Using the assessment literacy framework, the purpose of this study was to explore preservice teachers understanding and enactment of the message system during an early field experience. Method: Six PTs employed SE seasons totaling 540 min. Seven qualitative data methods were utilized. Data analysis included deductive and inductive analysis using a thematic approach. Trustworthiness included data triangulation, peer debriefing, negative case analysis, and the maintenance of an audit trail. Results: Three main themes derived from the data included: instructional decisions were driven by the SE model and informal assessment; formal assessment was driven by the structure of SE; and high assessment value but low assessment literacy. Discussion/Conclusion: The SE model drove PTs to use formal assessment, but primarily in an evaluative manner. The PTs lacked assessment literacy, felt pressure to follow the model, did not use assessment to inform teaching, and had concerns for future assessment use.
Development of a modified physiological birth programme integrated into Iran’s health system and its effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes: an embedded mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Moridi Azam , Abedi Parvin , Iravani Mina , Khosravi Shahla , Alianmoghaddam Narges , Maraghi Elham , Saadati Najmieh 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionAs recommended by the WHO, promotion of physiological birth is a main strategy to reduce the rate of caesarean section and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. A modified version of the physiological birth programme that may be included into the Iranian healthcare system was developed as a result of this mixed-methods research.Methods and analysisThis embedded mixed-methods study had a qualitative phase that was conducted before a clinical trial. This qualitative phase was conducted via semistructured in-depth targeted interviews with the recipients and the providers of physiological birth programme services. Data analysis was performed using a conventional content analysis approach. Then, for designing the intervention, national and international guidelines of physiological birth were reviewed, and a panel of experts was convened using the Delphi method. A randomised controlled trial was used in the second phase of the research to examine the impact of the physiological birth programme’s intended intervention on maternal and neonatal outcomes as well as mothers’ experiences during labour. It was conducted on 252 eligible pregnant women in two intervention and control groups. Finally, the results of qualitative and quantitative phases contributed to developing a physiological birth programme which can be integrated into the Iranian health system.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (IR.AJUMS.REC.1401.050). All participants gave their informed permission. The study’s findings will be shared via the publishing of peer-reviewed articles, talks at scientific conferences and meetings with related teams.Trial registration numberIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220406054438N1).
Vaginal birth core information set: study protocol for a Delphi study to achieve a consensus on a ‘core information set’ for vaginal birth
Authors: Demetri Andrew , Davies Anna , Bakhbakhi Danya , Ijaz Sharea , Dawson Sarah , McGuinness Sheelagh , Beasor Gemma , Clayton Gemma , Johnson Abigail , de Souza Chloë , Dempsey Aine , Snook Gabriella , Sharp Andrew , Lissauer David , McGoldrick Emma , Burden Christy , Merriel Abi 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionStudies have shown that women are often underinformed about potential benefits and risks of vaginal birth. This is in contrast to other modes of birth, such as caesarean birth, for which the risks/benefits are often conveyed prior to undergoing the procedure. A core information set (CIS) is an agreed set of information points that should be discussed with all patients prior to undergoing a procedure or intervention. This CIS could improve the quality of information given regarding mode of birth options, as women will be given information prioritised by patients and stakeholders regarding vaginal birth, empowering them to make informed decisions about their birth. We aim to describe the protocol for the development of this vaginal birth CIS.Methods and analysisWe will develop the CIS by: (1) Compiling a ‘long-list’ of information points about vaginal birth by: undertaking a scoping review of studies and patient information leaflets; interviews with antenatal/postnatal women, an online survey of stakeholders. (2) Collating the ‘long-list’ of information points and developing the Delphi survey. Think-aloud interviews will refine the survey. (3) Conducting a two-round Delphi survey. 200 stakeholder participants will be recruited. Items rated critically important by ≥80% of participants in one stakeholder group, or with no consensus, will be carried through to a stakeholder consensus meeting to decide the final CIS. Planned start date is 1 June 2022. Planned end date is 31 August 2023.Ethics and disseminationThis project has been given a favourable ethics opinion by the University of Bristol Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 10530). Approval from the ethics committee will be sought for any protocol amendments, and the principal investigator will be responsible for these changes. Findings will be presented at relevant conferences and published in a high-impact journal. We will disseminate the CIS, via Policy Bristol, to clinical policy and guideline developers.
Clinical care pathway to detect advanced liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes through automated fibrosis score calculation and electronic reminder messages: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Xinrong , Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Wong Grace Lai-Hung , Leow Wei-Xuan , Liang Lilian Yan , Lim Lee-Ling , Li Guanlin , Ibrahim Luqman , Lin Huapeng , Lai Jimmy Che To , Chim Angel Mei-Ling , Chan Henry Lik Yuen , Kong Alice Pik-Shan , Chan Wah Kheong , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveWe aimed to test the hypothesis that automated fibrosis score calculation and electronic reminder messages could increase the detection of advanced liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.DesignIn this pragmatic randomised controlled trial at five general medical or diabetes clinics in Hong Kong and Malaysia, we randomly assigned patients in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group with Fibrosis-4 index and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index automatically calculated based on routine blood tests, followed by electronic reminder messages to alert clinicians of abnormal results, or the control group with usual care. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with increased fibrosis scores who received appropriate care (referred for hepatology care or specific fibrosis assessment) within 1 year.ResultsBetween May 2020 and Oct 2021, 1379 patients were screened, of whom 533 and 528 were assigned to the intervention and control groups, respectively. A total of 55 out of 165 (33.3%) patients with increased fibrosis scores in the intervention group received appropriate care, compared with 4 of 131 (3.1%) patients in the control group (difference 30.2% (95% CI 22.4% to 38%); p<0.001). Overall, 11 out of 533 (2.1%) patients in the intervention group and 1 out of 528 (0.2%) patients in the control group were confirmed to have advanced liver disease (difference 1.9% (95% CI 0.61% to 3.5%); p=0.006).ConclusionAutomated fibrosis score calculation and electronic reminders can increase referral of patients with type 2 diabetes and abnormal fibrosis scores at non-hepatology settings.Trial registration numberNCT04241575.
From clinical variables to multiomics analysis: a margin morphology-based gross classification system for hepatocellular carcinoma stratification
Authors: Fan Zhongqi , Jin Meishan , Zhang Lei , Wang Nanya , Li Mingyue , Wang Chuanlei , Wei Feng , Zhang Ping , Du Xiaohong , Sun Xiaodong , Qiu Wei , Wang Meng , Wang Hongbin , Shi Xiaoju , Ye Junfeng , Jiang Chao , Zhou Jianpeng , Chai Wengang , Qi Jun , Li Ting , Zhang Ruoyan , Liu Xingkai , Huang Bo , Chai Kaiyuan , Cao Yannan , Mu Wentao , Huang Yu , Yang Tian , Zhang Huimao , Qu Limei , Liu Yahui , Wang Guangyi , Lv Guoyue 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveSelecting interventions for patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge. Despite gross classification being proposed as a potential prognostic predictor, its widespread use has been restricted due to inadequate studies with sufficient patient numbers and the lack of established mechanisms. We sought to investigate the prognostic impacts on patients with HCC of different gross subtypes and assess their corresponding molecular landscapes.DesignA prospective cohort of 400 patients who underwent hepatic resection for solitary HCC was reviewed and analysed and gross classification was assessed. Multiomics analyses were performed on tumours and non-tumour tissues from 49 patients to investigate the mechanisms underlying gross classification. Inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) was used to control for confounding factors.ResultsOverall 3-year survival rates varied significantly among the four gross subtypes (type I: 91%, type II: 80%, type III: 74.6%, type IV: 38.8%). Type IV was found to be independently associated with poor prognosis in both the entire cohort and the IPTW cohort. The four gross subtypes exhibited three distinct transcriptional modules. Particularly, type IV tumours exhibited increased angiogenesis and immune score as well as decreased metabolic pathways, together with highest frequency of TP53 mutations. Patients with type IV HCC may benefit from adjuvant intra-arterial therapy other than the other three subtypes. Accordingly, a modified trichotomous margin morphological gross classification was established.ConclusionDifferent gross types of HCC showed significantly different prognosis and molecular characteristics. Gross classification may aid in development of precise individualised diagnosis and treatment strategies for HCC.
Retrospective cohort study assessing coverage, uptake and associations with hepatitis B vaccination among females who engage in sex work attending sexual health services in England between 2015 and 2019
Authors: Hibbert Matt , Simmons Ruth , Ratna Natasha , Mandal Sema , Sabin Caroline , Desai Monica , Mohammed Hamish 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesFemales who engage in sex work (FSW) are at high risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and are eligible for HBV vaccination. The objective of this analysis was to explore coverage, uptake and correlates of HBV vaccination among FSW who attend sexual health services (SHS) in England.MethodsData on all attendances at SHS in England were obtained from the GUMCAD STI Surveillance System. Attendees were eligible for inclusion if they were female, had not been previously diagnosed with HIV and sex work was recorded between 2015 and 2019. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate sociodemographic factors (age, ethnicity, region of birth and region of residence) associated with having received an HBV vaccination on or after an attendance where sex work was reported.ResultsThere were 13 769 FSW attending SHS in England between 2015 and 2019 (median age 30 years, 71% white ethnicity). HBV vaccination coverage was 37% (n=5050/13 751, 95% CI 35.9%–37.5%). Among those that first reported sex work between 2015 and 2019, HBV vaccination uptake was 30% (n=3249/10 681, 95% CI 29.6%–31.3%). In multivariable analyses, HBV vaccination uptake was associated with younger age (5-year increase: OR=0.87, 95% CI 0.85, 0.89) and being born in South America (37%, adjusted OR (aOR)=1.40, 95% CI 1.18, 1.66) compared with being born in the UK. Being of Asian ethnicity (19%, aOR=0.63, 95% CI 0.45, 0.89) compared with white ethnicity was associated with reduced odds of HBV vaccination. Sixteen FSW were diagnosed with HBV after their first attendance where sex work was recorded.ConclusionsTo achieve the WHO goals of elimination of HBV as a public health threat by the year 2030, further research is needed to understand the individual and structural barriers to the offering and uptake of HBV vaccination among FSW, as well as using health promotion methods to improve uptake.