bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ICT and academic achievement in secondary education: A hierarchical linear modelling
Authors: Fayda‐Kinik F. Sehkar , Cetin Munevver 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe unprecedented access to information in the 21st century entails a deep understanding of information and communication technology (ICT)‐related factors in education and their impacts on learning and teaching. The role of attitudes towards ICT is a proven factor in student achievement. However, there is no consensus about the direction of this impact.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the relationship between student attitudes towards ICT including interest in ICT (INTICT), perceived ICT competence (COMPICT), perceived autonomy related to ICT use (AUTICT) and ICT in social interaction (SOIAICT), and their achievement scores for mathematics, reading, and science by analysing student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors hierarchically in the quartiles of performance.MethodsThe study group was determined as 300,279 15‐year‐old students from 21,903 schools in 53 countries. Descriptive and correlational analyses were carried out in addition to the hierarchical linear modelling (HLM) employed to reveal the relationship between attitudes towards ICT and academic achievement in mathematics, reading, and science through the investigation of student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors hierarchically in the quartiles of performance.Results and ConclusionsThe results detected moderate to weak relationships among the constructs of INTICT, COMPICT, AUTICT and SOIAICT. Based on the HLM findings, complex interactions between ICT attitudes and academic performance were identified with a tendency towards positive associations between specific attitude components and high achievement levels, particularly in mathematics and science. The research identified the significance of considering student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors for high, above‐average, below‐average, and low achievers to comprehensively understand the role of ICT attitudes in shaping educational outcomes.TakeawaysPolicymakers should design educational policies, subject‐specific strategies and ICT‐related interventions by considering the multifaceted factors influencing student performance across different subjects and achievement quartiles. Particularly at the school and country levels, contextual factors should be evaluated when designing interventions to support low achievers.
May Measurement Month 2020: An Analysis of Blood Pressure Screening Results From China
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhang Li‐Ping , Wang Xiao‐Long , Zhang Ning‐Ru , Yu Jing , Xu Li‐Ying , Li Tong‐She , Luan Hong , Zhang Juan , Hu Ya‐Min , Liu Dan , Zheng Qi‐Dong , Li Yan , Wang Ji‐Guang 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTWe reported the blood pressure data obtained in the May Measurement Month (MMM) China project in 2020 during the COVID‐19 control period. The study participants were adults (≥ 18 years), ideally in whom blood pressure had not been measured in the previous year. Blood pressure was measured three times consecutively with a 1‐min interval in the sitting position, using a validated automated BP monitor (Omron HEM‐7081IT), and transmitted to a central database via a smartphone app. The measurement was performed at 136 sites across 29 China provinces. The 100 728 participants had a mean (±SD) age of 45.6 (±18.3) years and included 56 097 (55.7%) women. The mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure was 120.0/76.9 mm Hg. The proportion of hypertension was 28.9% (n  =  29 135), and the awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension were 45.3% (n = 13 212), 39.7% (n =  1573), and 24.4% (n = 7101), respectively. After adjustment for age, gender, and use of antihypertensive medication, systolic/diastolic BP were significantly higher with cigarette smoking (n = 8070, +0.5/+1.0 mm Hg, p < 0.05), mild (n = 4369, +1.2/+1.3 mm Hg, p < 0.001) and moderate or heavy alcohol drinking (n = 3871, +0.4/+0.7 mm Hg, p < 0.05), and overweight (+1.8/+1.4 mm Hg, p < 0.001) and obesity (+2.3/+1.5 mm Hg, p < 0.001). In conclusion, our study provided unique blood pressure data during the COVID‐19 period, and suggested that hypertension management might have been even more challenging when the medical professionals had to shift their focus on other urgencies.
Validation of a New Questionnaire for Assessing the Psychosocial Impact of Gingival Aesthetics (PIGAQ)
Authors: Gómez‐Polo Cristina , Sánchez de Martín Manuel Antonio , Curto Adrian , Montero Javier , Martín Casado Ana María 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimWhile the importance of gingival aesthetics is increasingly recognized, a questionnaire quantifying its psychosocial impact is still lacking. We have adapted the validated Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) for the gingival context. This study's aim was to develop a new Psychosocial Impact of Gingival Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIGAQ) and test its validity for the general population in Spain, exploring the underlying dimensions of the construct assessed.Materials and MethodsThe PIDAQ was adapted to address gingival aesthetics. PIGAQ (23 items) was completed by 200 patients aged from 18 to 85 years, and socio‐demographic variables were recorded. The four‐dimensional structure of the PIDAQ was respected, adapting the subscales to focus on the gingiva. Descriptive analysis, assessments of reliability and validity and an exploratory factor analysis were performed.ResultsThe revised PIGAQ (now containing 20 items) has a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.88 with four underlying factors explaining 61.5% of the total variance. Three items (SI‐1, PI‐2 and PI‐5) were eliminated because of unacceptable fit indices. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the subscales are as follows: Gingival Self‐Confidence, 0.85; Social Impact, 0.84; Psychological Impact, 0.79; and Aesthetic Concern, 0.76.ConclusionPIGAQ is a reliable and potentially valid instrument for assessing psychosocial perceptions of gingival aesthetics. The scale was shown to have a satisfactory factor structure and level of internal consistency.
Strategic Corporate Purpose
Authors: Albuquerque Rui , Cabral Luís 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTWe propose a theory of strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR). Value‐maximizing shareholders play an industry CSR game where they can opt for an objective function that extends beyond shareholder value, thus conditioning other strategic firm decisions. The theory provides a formalization of the “doing well by doing good” adage in an industry setting. We develop conditions such that the CSR game is a pure coordination game, which provides a natural and novel theory of strategic leadership in CSR: By committing to a CSR objective function, a first mover leads the industry to a Pareto superior equilibrium. The theory can rationalize recent evidence on correlated industry‐wide CSR adoption, and carries implications for competition policy.
Research progress of exosomes in pathogenesis and treatment of preeclampsia
Authors: Xing Yue , Kang Luyao , Chen Lu , Li Youyou , Lu Dan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimPreeclampsia (PE) is a critical and severe disease in obstetrics, which seriously affects maternal and neonatal life safety and long‐term prognosis. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of PE are complex, and no unified conclusion has been reached. The types and number of exosomes and their transport substances in PE patients changed. The study of exosomes in PE patients helps clarify the etiology, diagnosis, effective treatment, accurate monitoring, and prognosis.MethodThe published articles were reviewed.ResultsExosomes may affect endothelial and vascular production and function, participate in maternal‐fetal immune regulation, and transport substances such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and proteins involved in the development of PE. Detection of the contents of exosomes can help in the early diagnosis of PE, and can help to improve PE by inhibiting the action of exosomes or preventing their binding to target organs.ConclusionExosomes may be involved in the development of PE, and exosomes can be used as markers for predicting the onset of PE and tracking the disease process and determining the prognosis, and exosomes have great potential in the treatment of PE.
Giant Cell Granuloma of the Jaws and Keratin‐Positive Giant Cell‐Rich Tumor of Bone and Soft Tissue
Authors: Coura Bruna Pizziolo , Sant'Ana Maria Sissa Pereira , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , de Sousa Sílvia Ferreira , Gomes Carolina Cavalieri , Gomez Ricardo Santiago 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDifferent giant cell‐rich tumors may occur in the jaws. Recently, a new condition known as keratin‐positive giant‐cell rich tumor harboring recurrent HMGA2::NCOR2 fusions has been described. Interestingly, the mononuclear cells of this tumor are immunoreactive with the AE1/AE3 keratin. Considering the similarities of central and peripheral giant cell granuloma of the jaws with the keratin‐positive giant cell‐rich tumor of the soft tissue and bone, we hypothesized whether the keratin‐positive tumors could also occur in the maxillary bones.Methods and ResultsAn immunohistochemical investigation of AE1/AE3 in a cohort of 16 cases of peripheral and central giant cell granuloma of the jaws was carried out. None of the cases was keratin‐positive.ConclusionsAlthough no immunopositivity for keratin was observed in the present giant cell granulomas cohort, we cannot completely exclude the possibility of keratin‐positive giant cell‐rich tumors occurring in the jaws. Therefore, oral pathologists should be aware about this condition and further studies using cohorts from different laboratories are necessary.
Characteristics Associated With Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Coverage and Exemptions After a School Immunization Law Change in Washington, 2019‐2020
Authors: Moore Tyler , Graff Katherine , Bell Teal R. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDWe aimed to better understand the impact of statewide legislation removing personal belief exemptions (PBEs) for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) school immunization requirement and factors associated with resulting health‐seeking behaviors.METHODSWe used chi‐squared tests and logistic regression models to determine individual‐ and school‐level characteristics associated with holding a MMR PBE and with post‐law MMR immunization status among students linked to the Washington State Immunization Information System.RESULTSOf students with a MMR PBE pre‐law change, 43.0% completed the MMR vaccine series and 40.4% sought another exemption type. Religious exemptions made up most new MMR exemptions signed (71.8%), followed by medical exemptions (18.5%), and religious membership exemptions (9.7%). Students were more likely to complete the vaccine series post‐law change if they attended a school with a low school‐level MMR exemption rate, a public school, or held a lower number of school‐required immunization exemptions.CONCLUSIONSThis study confirms previous concerns that parents might replace their PBE with another exemption type; however, nearly half the students in the cohort completed the MMR vaccine series. Our findings suggest that targeted immunization policies can increase MMR coverage 1‐year post‐law change but must account for a replacement effect when exemption categories are eliminated.
Psychological Distress and Associated Factors Among Elementary School Teachers: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Rahmani Farnaz , Asghari Elnaz , Naghdi Sadeh Reza , Hosseinzadeh Mina , Gholizadeh Leila 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDTeachers can face demanding and stressful working conditions. Classroom environments in elementary schools are dynamic and challenging, which can be mentally and emotionally exhausting for teachers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychological distress and identify associated factors among elementary school teachers.METHODSThis is an analytical, observational cross‐sectional study. The participants consisted of 450 teachers selected using the cluster sampling method from elementary schools of Tabriz, Iran. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between teachers' psychological distress and potential factors.RESULTSThe study found a significant proportion of participants (54.2%) experiencing psychological distress. Multiple regression analysis revealed age, sex, work experience, school type, family income status, teachers' efficacy, emotional labor, and presenteeism were statistically associated with teachers' psychological distress.IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITYTo address teachers' psychological distress, schools need to adopt policies that promote teacher well‐being and mental health support.CONCLUSIONThe high prevalence of psychological distress among elementary school teachers raises concerns and highlights the need for attention. Schools and administrators must provide teachers with the resources and support they need to succeed in their roles. Interventions targeting the identified associated factors must be planned to improve the mental health of elementary school teachers and enhance their overall performance.
A cry for kelp: Evidence for polyphenolic inhibition of Oxford Nanopore sequencing of brown algae
Authors: Pearman William S. , Arranz Vanessa , Carvajal Jose I. , Whibley Annabel , Liau Yusmiati , Johnson Katherine , Gray Rachel , Treece Jackson M. , Gemmell Neil J. , Liggins Libby , Fraser Ceridwen I. , Jensen Evelyn L. , Green Nicholas J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGenomic resources have yielded unprecedented insights into ecological and evolutionary processes, not to mention their importance in economic and conservation management of specific organisms. However, the field of macroalgal genomics is hampered by difficulties in the isolation of suitable DNA. Even when DNA that appears high quality by standard metrics has been isolated, such samples may not perform well during the sequencing process. We here have compared Oxford Nanopore long‐read sequencing results for three species of macroalgae to those of nonmacroalgal species and determined that when using macroalgal samples, sequencing activity declined rapidly, resulting in reduced sequencing yield. Chemical analysis of macroalgal DNA that would be considered suitable for sequencing revealed that DNA derived from dried macroalgae was enriched for polyphenol–DNA adducts (DNA with large polyphenols chemically attached to it), which may have led to sequencing inhibition. Of note, we observed the strongest evidence of sequencing inhibition and reduced sequence output when using samples dried using silica gel—suggesting that such storage approaches may not be appropriate for samples destined for Oxford Nanopore sequencing. Our findings have wide‐ranging implications for the generation of genomic resources from macroalgae and suggest a need to develop new storage methods that are more amenable to Oxford Nanopore sequencing or to use fresh flash‐frozen tissue wherever possible for genome sequencing.
A National Survey of Pharmacist Involvement in Hepatitis C Virus Management in the United States
Authors: Martin Michelle T. , Hietpas Allison R. , Novak Jennifer L. , Deming Paulina 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTModels estimate that the United States will not meet its 2030 hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination goal. Engagement of healthcare providers including pharmacists is critical for HCV elimination efforts. We aimed to characterise the involvement of pharmacists in HCV management. The study design was a cross‐sectional survey. Investigators sent the questionnaire to pharmacy and HCV organisations' listservs and limited responses to licensed pharmacists with direct patient care. Questions assessed setting, HCV screening, prescribing, and management; and opinions, and perceived barriers and facilitators to pharmacists' HCV management. Two hundred and nine survey respondents across 45 states reported managing 24 patients/month, with 5.3 (±4.4) years' experience in HCV, and identified pharmacist‐managed HCV at their site since 2013 (±5.8 years). Most practice at academic medical centres (29%, 58/203) under collaborative practice agreements (67%, 127/189), as ambulatory care pharmacists (70%, 131/187), in primary care (50%, 65/131). Many pharmacists provide screening, linkage to care, and/or referral (81%, 157/194); 99.5% (190/191) perform treatment evaluation and selection; 98% (180/183) provide treatment education, 93% (171/183) initiate treatment, and 90% (162/180) provide on‐ and/or post‐treatment monitoring. Respondents indicated collaboration with prescribers as most helpful in their role in HCV management, whereas lack of reimbursement was a main barrier. Satisfying components include HCV cure, care and education provision; frustrations include socioeconomic factors impeding patients' follow‐up and prior authorisations/insurance barriers. Survey results show the variety of pharmacists' roles in direct HCV patient care and may be used to increase other providers' awareness of pharmacists' services and contributions to HCV elimination efforts.
Preventing technique‐related complications in spinal cord stimulation trials: The Dural Substitute Confetti technique. A retrospective monocentric analysis
Authors: Dario Alessandro , Ferlendis Luca , Bossi Bianca , Locatelli Davide 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundSpinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an established therapy for chronic pain, employing screening trials to identify suitable candidates before implantation. However, complications arising from both technique and medical factors present challenges to this practice. This study introduces the Dural Substitute Confetti technique, which addresses technique‐related complications during SCS implantation by preventing scar‐induced lead migration or breakage and reducing operating times.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis on 174 patients treated with SCS trials from 2017 to 2022 at our institution. Of these, 85.1% proceeded to permanent implantation. During trial surgery, synthetic dural substitutes (DS) were used to protect leads, which remained connected to an external pulse generator (EPG) for 20–28 days (mean 21.4 days). Utilizing the DS Confetti technique, leads were easily dissected from the DS during the second surgery and connected to an internal pulse generator (IPG). We compared complications and surgical times before and after the introduction of this technique in 2017.ResultsFollowing the complete SCS trial, patients experienced over 50% pain relief, with an implant‐to‐trial ratio of 85.1% and a mean follow‐up of 52 months. No technique‐related complications occurred during the trial period post‐2017, while the pre‐2017 group had a 3.9% lead migration rate due to scarring, necessitating re‐implantation. The average surgery duration decreased from 54 min pre‐2017 to 32 min post‐2017. Medical‐related complications included infections (2.1%) and wound dehiscence (1.3%).ConclusionsThe DS Confetti technique prevents scar adhesion formation during screening trials, thereby facilitating and expediting the definitive SCS implantation. Additionally, it may also reduce the risk of lead migration and iatrogenic damage, potentially lowering technique‐related complications.
Safety and efficacy of long‐term use of a buprenorphine transdermal patch system in patients with osteoarthritis and low back pain refractory to non‐opioid analgesics: Post‐marketing surveillance of 3000 cases
Authors: Ushida Takahiro , Kanzaki Rumiko , Katayama Keishi , Ishikawa Akito 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectivesA post‐marketing surveillance was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the buprenorphine transdermal patch under actual clinical practice.ResultsOf the 3017 patients included in the safety analysis, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were observed in 1524 (50.5%), the most common being nausea, skin symptoms at the site of application, constipation, and vomiting. The incidences of respiratory depression and withdrawal symptoms were low, and no drug dependence was observed. Among the 2573 patients included in the efficacy analysis, the efficacy (≥2‐point improvement in the numerical rating scale) rate was 74.4%, which was significantly higher in older adults (≥65 y.o) than in younger adults. Discontinuation was mostly caused by ADRs during the early initiation phase.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of long‐term administration of buprenorphine transdermal patches, suggesting that pain control is possible over the long term if attention is paid to ADRs in the early stages of administration.
Modification of xylan in secondary walls alters cell wall biosynthesis and wood formation programs and improves saccharification
Authors: Sivan Pramod , Urbancsok János , Donev Evgeniy N. , Derba‐Maceluch Marta , Barbut Félix R. , Yassin Zakiya , Gandla Madhavi L. , Mitra Madhusree , Heinonen Saara E. , Šimura Jan , Cermanová Kateřina , Karady Michal , Scheepers Gerhard , Jönsson Leif J. , Master Emma R. , Vilaplana Francisco , Mellerowicz Ewa J. 
Published: October 2024

SummaryWood of broad‐leaf tree species is a valued source of renewable biomass for biorefinery and a target for genetic improvement efforts to reduce its recalcitrance. Glucuronoxylan (GX) plays a key role in recalcitrance through its interactions with cellulose and lignin. To reduce recalcitrance, we modified wood GX by expressing GH10 and GH11 endoxylanases from Aspergillus nidulans in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. × tremuloides Michx.) and targeting the enzymes to cell wall. The xylanases reduced tree height, modified cambial activity by increasing phloem and reducing xylem production, and reduced secondary wall deposition. Xylan molecular weight was decreased, and the spacing between acetyl and MeGlcA side chains was reduced in transgenic lines. The transgenic trees produced hypolignified xylem having thin secondary walls and deformed vessels. Glucose yields of enzymatic saccharification without pretreatment almost doubled indicating decreased recalcitrance. The transcriptomics, hormonomics and metabolomics data provided evidence for activation of cytokinin and ethylene signalling pathways, decrease in ABA levels, transcriptional suppression of lignification and a subset of secondary wall biosynthetic program, including xylan glucuronidation and acetylation machinery. Several candidate genes for perception of impairment in xylan integrity were detected. These candidates could provide a new target for uncoupling negative growth effects from reduced recalcitrance. In conclusion, our study supports the hypothesis that xylan modification generates intrinsic signals and evokes novel pathways regulating tree growth and secondary wall biosynthesis.
Understanding friendship
Authors: Croce Michel , Jope Matthew 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article takes issue with two prominent views in the current debate around epistemic partiality in friendship. Strong views of epistemic partiality hold that friendship may require biased beliefs in direct conflict with epistemic norms. Weak views hold that friendship may place normative expectations on belief formation but in a manner that does not violate these norms. It is argued that neither view succeeds in explaining the relationship between epistemic norms and friendship norms. Weak views inadvertently endorse a form of motivated reasoning, failing to resolve the normative clash they seek to avoid. Strong views turn out to be incoherent once we consider the question of whether the requirement to form an epistemically partial belief is independent of whether the belief in question would be true. It is then argued that an epistemology of friendship should recognise the special role that understanding plays in friendship. On this view, friendship normatively requires understanding the truth about our friends. This entails that epistemic partiality, far from being a requirement, is in fact at odds with good friendship.