bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The legal, policy, institutional and programmatic context for protecting children against online sexual exploitation in Tunisia
Authors: Midani Dorra Loudhaief , Deliege Antoine , Burton Patrick , Amo‐Adjei Joshua 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEvidence is absent in the legal, policy and programmatic landscape of online child sexual exploitation in countries in the Global South. Our work begins to contribute to filling this literature gap, drawing evidence from Tunisia, one of the least studied countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). We reviewed legal and policy documents directly or indirectly connected to online child sexual exploitation, complemented with interviews from diverse actors in the child protection space at the national and sub‐national levels. We note that Tunisia is a signatory to several international and regional treaties and conventions that can be leveraged to tackle online sexual exploitation of children. Still, these have yet to be fully exploited for the benefit of children. Furthermore, we observed several disparate laws at the country level. These laws are scattered in many legal documents, and some aspects could be more specific, but currently not, which poses significant legal challenges to protecting children. Finally, many institutions implementing programmes in this space create less coordination and sometimes confusion. At best, interventions seem ad hoc without any clear mandate of specificity in institutional leadership. The implications of the findings for policies and programmes are highlighted.
TGFβ‐mediated inhibition of hypodermal adipocyte progenitor differentiation promotes wound‐induced skin fibrosis
Authors: Yin Meimei , Sun Lixiang , Wu Shuai , Ma Jinhang , Zhang Wenlu , Ji Xiaoxuan , Tang Zhichong , Zhang Xiaowei , Yang Yichun , Zhang Xinyuan , Huang Jin‐wen , Zheng Shaoluan , Liu Wen‐jie , Ji Chao , Zhang Ling‐juan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAberrant activation of dermal fibroblasts during wound healing often leads to debilitating fibrotic changes in the skin, such as scleroderma and keloids. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we established a wound‐induced skin fibrosis (WISF) mouse model in mature adult mice, characterised by excessive deposition of collagen bundles, loss of dermal adipocytes, and enrichment of DPP4+Ly6A+THY1+ hypodermal interstitial adipocyte progenitors (HI‐APs) and pericytes, resembling human fibrotic skin diseases. This WISF model exhibited an age‐dependent gain of fibrotic characteristics, contrasting with the wound‐induced hair neogenesis observed in younger mice. Through comprehensive analyses of the WISF, we delineated a trajectory of fibroblast differentiation that originates from HI‐APs. These progenitors highly expressed several extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and exhibited a TGFβ pathway signature. TGFβ was identified as the key signal to inhibit the adipogenic potential and maintain the fibrogenic potential of dermal APs. Additionally, administering a TGFβ receptor inhibitor to wound scar reduced the abundance of ECM‐producing APs. Finally, analysis of human scleroderma skin tissues revealed a negative correlation between the expression of AP‐, ECM‐, and TGFβ pathway‐related genes and PPARG. Overall, this study establishes a wound‐induced skin fibrosis mouse model and demonstrates that TGFβ‐mediated blockage of HI‐AP differentiation is crucial for driving fibrotic pathology. Targeting HI‐APs and adipogenesis may provide novel avenues for developing disease‐modifying therapies for fibrotic skin diseases.
Which Is More Suitable for First‐Line Treatment of Extensive‐Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer, PD‐L1 Inhibitors Versus PD‐1 Inhibitors? A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Yu Lulin , Feng Yuqian , Huang Siyu , Hua Yuxin , Peng Mingying , Ruan Shanming , Zhang Kai 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn this network meta‐analysis (NMA), the efficiency and safety of PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy and PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy were compared in the first‐line therapy of patients with extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC).MethodsWe searched research databases, conference abstracts, and trial registries and subsequently chose relevant studies and extracted dates. The NMA was conducted to estimate the efficiency and safety of the PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy and PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy on overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), overall remission rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs). Studies were assessed for quality. Subgroup analyses were used to evaluate study heterogeneity.ResultsWe included six randomized trials with a total of 3163 patients. Direct comparisons showed that patients who received either PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57–0.87) or PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy (HR: 0.74, 0.61–0.89) demonstrated significantly longer OS than those who received placebo + chemotherapy. The results of the NMA showed that no significant differences in OS (HR 0.96 95% CI: 0.72–1.3), PFS (HR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.51–1.4), and ORR (OR 1.3 95% CI: 0.66–2.5) were observed for PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy compared with PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy, but the Bayesian ranking revealed that patients receiving PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy tended to have longer OS, PFS benefit, and better treatment response than patients receiving PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy. In terms of safety, no significant difference was observed in their safety profiles.ConclusionIn comparison to placebo + chemotherapy, PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy and PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy significantly improved survival for ES‐SCLC. According to the available data, PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy and PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy had equivalent efficacy and safety; however, the level of evidence of this type of comparison is limited.
Obesity‐induced upregulation of miR‐483‐5p impairs the function and identity of pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Yuan Honglei , He Mei , Yang Qinnan , Niu Fandi , Zou Yuchen , Liu Chen , Yang Yang  , Liu Aiming , Chang Xiaoai , Chen Fang , Wu Tijun , Han Xiao , Zhang Yaqin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo assess the expression and function of miR‐483‐5p in diabetic β cells.MethodsThe expression of miR‐483‐5p was evaluated in the pancreatic islets of obesity mouse models by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Dual‐luciferase activity, and western blotting assays, were utilized for miR‐483‐5p target gene verification. Mice with β cell‐specific miR‐483‐5p downregulation were studied under metabolic stress (i.e. a high‐fat diet) condition. Lineage tracing was used to determine β‐cell fate.ResultsmiR‐483‐5p increased in the islets of obese mouse models. Expression levels of miR‐483‐5p were significantly upregulated with the treatment of high glucose and palmitate, in both MIN6 cells and mouse islets. Overexpression of miR‐483‐5p in β cells results in impaired insulin secretion and β‐cell identity. Cell lineage‐specific analyses revealed that miR‐483‐5p overexpression deactivated β‐cell identity genes (insulin, Pdx1 and MafA) and derepressed β‐cell dedifferentiation (Ngn3) genes. miR‐483‐5p downregulation in β cells of high‐fat diet‐fed mice alleviated diabetes and improved glucose intolerance by enhancing insulin secretory capacity. These detrimental effects of miR‐483‐5p relied on its seed sequence recognition and repressed expression of its target genes Pdx1 and MafA, two crucial markers of β‐cell maturation.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that the miR‐483‐5p–mediated reduction of mRNAs specifies β‐cell identity as a contributor to β‐cell dysfunction via the loss of cellular differentiation.
First report of Cryphonectria carpinicola on Carpinus betulus in Serbia
Authors: Milenković Ivan , Trifković Miloš , Karadžić Dragan , Jovanović Dušan , Radulović Zlatan , Jung Marilia Horta , Jung Thomas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWhen monitoring the health status of various woody host plants in urban areas in Serbia, symptoms indicative of Cryphonectria‐like infection were recorded on European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) trees in the natural monument ‘Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry in Belgrade’. One tree was affected by crown dieback while another one showed dieback of branches. Bark lesions were found on stems which contained numerous stromata with fruiting bodies and orange tendrils. Conidiomata were recorded solely in the infected tissue, producing hyaline, aseptate and bacilloid‐shaped conidia with dimensions of 3.4 ± 0.46 × 1.2 ± 0.12 μm. In the isolation tests, all plated bark pieces were positive, and 25 isolates were obtained. Colonies on different agar media were white in the beginning, turning into orange‐red colour during ageing. Optimum temperature for growth was 25°C and no growth was recorded at 30°C. A GenBank blast search and a phylogenetic analysis of ITS rDNA sequences of five representative isolates revealed their identity as Cryphonectria carpinicola. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. carpinicola on hornbeam trees in Serbia, and implications of this finding are discussed.
A many‐facet Rasch measurement model approach to investigating objective structured clinical examination item parameter drift
Authors: Coetzee Karen , Monteiro Sandra , Amirthalingam Luxshi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRationaleObjective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are widely used for assessing clinical competence, especially in high‐stakes environments such as medical licensure. However, the reuse of OSCE cases across multiple administrations raises concerns about parameter stability, known as item parameter drift (IPD).Aims & ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate IPD in reused OSCE cases while accounting for examiner scoring effects using a Many‐facet Rasch Measurement (MFRM) model.MethodData from 12 OSCE cases, reused over seven administrations of the Internationally Educated Nurse Competency Assessment Program (IENCAP), were analyzed using the MFRM model. Each case was treated as an item, and examiner scoring effects were accounted for in the analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that despite accounting for examiner effects, all cases exhibited some level of IPD, with an average absolute IPD of 0.21 logits. Three cases showed positive directional trends. IPD significantly affected score decisions in 1.19% of estimates, at an invariance violation of 0.58 logits.ConclusionThese findings suggest that while OSCE cases demonstrate sufficient stability for reuse, continuous monitoring is essential to ensure the accuracy of score interpretations and decisions. The study provides an objective threshold for detecting concerning levels of IPD and underscores the importance of addressing examiner scoring effects in OSCE assessments. The MFRM model offers a robust framework for tracking and mitigating IPD, contributing to the validity and reliability of OSCEs in evaluating clinical competence.
Effect of home‐based tongue‐strengthening exercise using a portable tool on oropharyngeal muscles in older adults with sarcopenic dysphagia: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Yoon Tae‐Hyung , Morishita Motoyoshi , Han Na‐Mi , Park Ji‐Su 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundTongue‐strengthening exercises may be used at home to strengthen swallowing‐related oropharyngeal muscles in community‐dwelling older adults with sarcopenic dysphagia; however, evidence of their effectiveness remains unclear.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of a home‐based tongue‐strengthening exercise (hTSE) using portable tool on swallowing‐related oropharyngeal muscles in community‐dwelling older adults with sarcopenic dysphagia.MethodsForth community‐dwelling older adults with sarcopenic dysphagia were enrolled in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. 1‐Repetition Maximum (1‐RM) of tongue muscle was measured in the experimental group using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, and hTSE was performed using a portable tool with an intensity corresponding to approximately 70%–80% of the range based on the 1‐RM value (90 times/day, 5 days/week, for 8 weeks). The control group did not perform any tongue exercises. The primary outcome measures were tongue strength and thickness. The secondary outcome measure was suprahyoid muscle strength (digastric and mylohyoid muscles).ResultsThe experimental group showed significantly greater increases in suprahyoid muscle (mylohyoid and digastric) thickness (p = .01 and .011, d = 1.0 and .55), as well as tongue strength and thickness (p < .001 and .029, d = 2.2 and .6) than the control group.ConclusionThis study confirmed that hTSE using a portable tool is effective in increasing swallowing‐related oropharyngeal muscle activity in older adults with sarcopenic dysphagia. Therefore, hTSE is recommended as an inexpensive, safe, and easy‐to‐use therapy for sarcopenic dysphagia in older adults.
A new measure of regulatory focus: Preventing measurement error by promoting best validation practices
Authors: Fuglestad Paul T. , Volz Sarah , Joyal‐Desmarais Keven , Nydick Steven W. , DeYoung Colin G. , Rothman Alexander J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjective and BackgroundThe goals of this project were to improve our understanding of chronic regulatory focus constructs and to provide researchers with a measure that adequately assesses the constructs, can distinguish individual differences effectively across the range of the constructs, and is appropriate for use in diverse populations.MethodEmploying best practices in construct validation, we developed the International Personality Item Pool Regulatory Focus Scale (IPIP‐RFS). Utilizing 14 samples (N = 4867), we established substantive (via expert ratings and regulatory focus literature), structural (via factor analysis, item response theory, and measurement invariance), and external (via convergent, discriminant, and predictive associations) validity.ResultsThe IPIP‐RFS adequately assesses the constructs of chronic promotion focus and prevention focus, can accurately assess individuals along the continua of the constructs, and is suitable for use among populations that vary in gender, race, and age. Individual differences in promotion focus reflect self‐regulation and goal pursuit related to cognitive and behavioral exploration and flexibility (i.e., plasticity), whereas individual differences in prevention focus reflect self‐regulation and goal pursuit related to motivational and interpersonal steadiness (i.e., stability).ConclusionsPromotion and prevention focus are important elements of personality with broad implications for functioning and outcomes in health and other important domains.
An interdisciplinary framework of youth participatory action research informed by curricula, youth, adults, and researchers
Authors: Leman Amy M. , Dariotis Jacinda K. , Markazi Daniela M. , Kennedy Zachary , Tracy Mynda , Park Ye Rang , Griffith Aisha N. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRarely are youth voices incorporated into program and policy development. Youth participatory action research (YPAR) is an opportunity for adolescents to develop research skills by completing projects relevant to their lives and allows participation and decision‐making at systems and organizational levels. Attention to YPAR implementation detail, especially a curricular focus, is lacking in the literature. Specifically absent is an all‐encompassing YPAR framework, a gap the current study addresses. The current study includes a review of existing YPAR curricula to develop the Youth Researcher Empowerment Framework, including research components, social emotional competencies, and assumptions necessary for completing a YPAR project that centers youth voice and shared power. The study includes a quantitative assessment of the YPAR curricula and qualitative reviews by adult practitioners. In addition, focus group data from youth and teacher audiences across multiple settings confirmed and clarified terms and concepts related to the framework. The study provides empirical evidence to support a revised framework for YPAR curricular implementation. Implications are discussed in terms of aspects of the research process needed for YPAR projects, attention to specific youth developmental skills as outcomes, and underlying principles needed to create a welcoming, contextual space allowing for empowerment, youth voice, and choice.
Assessment of panel performance in CATA and RATA experiment
Authors: Llobell Fabien , Bonnet Laure , Giacalone Davide 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCATATIS is a recently developed method for the analysis of multiple binary datasets such as Check‐All‐That‐Apply (CATA) data. CATATIS yields a homogeneity index reflecting the overall agreement among the panelists and weights associated with the panelists that highlight the extent to which they agree with the general point of view. These weights are used to compute an average group configuration, which is submitted to Correspondence Analysis to derive a perceptual product map. Here, CATATIS is extended to situations where the data are not binary. In particular, we focus on the case of data from a CATA experiment with repetitions and data from a Rate‐All‐That‐Apply (RATA) experiment. Furthermore, a hypothesis‐testing framework based on permutations is set up to assess the significance of the weights associated with the panelists. Finally, the general strategy of analysis is illustrated using data from real case studies pertaining to CATA and RATA experiments.Practical ApplicationsEvaluating panel performance is often important in sensory studies, especially in industrial contexts. While many professionals are familiar with evaluating the outputs of conventional descriptive analysis, the increasing adoption of rapid sensory methods calls for methods and tools tailored to different sensory tasks. Our paper introduces an approach (CATATIS) to enhance the interpretation of the outputs of CATA and RATA tasks, focusing on attribute consistency, overall panel agreement, and individual weights associated with panelists. The approach is demonstrated through concrete case studies. CATATIS, together with its extensions, are available in XLSTAT software and in the R package ClustBlock.
The promising role of Transcendental Meditation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases: A systematic review
Authors: Khanal Mahesh Kumar , Karimi Leila , Saunders Peter , Schneider Robert H. , Salerno John , Livesay Karen , Hallam Karen T. , de Courten Barbora 
Published: July 2024

SummaryPsychological distress has a demonstrable impact on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and risk factors. Transcendental Meditation (TM) has been shown to reduce stress and improve health and well‐being. The current review aimed to synthesize the evidence on the effects of TM on cardiometabolic outcomes and identify gaps for future research. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases for relevant literature. Forty‐five papers that reported studies of TM on cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases were included. Evidence shows that TM is effective in reducing blood pressure (BP). We found some evidence that TM can improve insulin resistance and may play a role in improving dyslipidemia, exercise tolerance, and myocardial blood flow, and in reducing carotid intima‐media thickness and left ventricular mass. Studies show that long‐term TM practice can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and CVD mortality. This review identified that certain studies have high participant drop‐out rates, and fewer studies targeted comprehensive cardiometabolic outcomes beyond BP with longer follow‐up periods. We found that most studies were conducted in specific populations, which may limit generalizability. In conclusion, TM has the potential to improve cardiometabolic health; however, research gaps highlight the need for larger phase III multicenter clinical trials with long‐term follow‐ups.
Chitosan‐fulvic acid nanoparticles enhance drought tolerance in maize via antioxidant defense and transcriptional reprogramming
Authors: Brown Alexander , Al‐Azawi Tiba Nazar Ibrahim , Methela Nusrat Jahan , Rolly Nkulu Kabange , Khan Murtaza , Faluku Mwondha , Huy Vu Ngoc , Lee Da‐Sol , Mun Bong‐Gyu , Hussian Adil , Yun Byung‐Wook 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNanoparticles are promising alternatives to synthetic fertilizers in the context of climate change and sustainable agriculture. Maize plants were grown under gradient concentrations (50 μM, 100 μM, 200 μM, 500 μM, and 1 mM) of chitosan (Ch), fulvic acid (FA) or chitosan‐fulvic acid nanoparticles (Ch‐FANPs). Based on the overall phenotypic assessment, 100 μM was selected for downstream experiments. Maize plants grown under this optimized concentration were thereafter subjected to drought stress by water withholding for 14 days. Compared to the individual performances, the combined treatment of Ch‐FANPs supported the best plant growth over chitosan, fulvic acid, or sole watered plants and alleviated the adverse effects of drought by enhancing root and shoot growth, and biomass by an average 20%. In addition, Ch‐FANPs‐treated plants exhibited a significant reduction in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content (~10%), with a concomitant increase in ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity (>100%) while showing a reduced lipid peroxidation level observed by the decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content (~100%) and low electrolyte leakage level. Furthermore, chlorophyll content increased significantly (>100%) in maize plants treated with Ch‐FANPs compared to Ch or FA and control in response to drought. The expression of drought‐induced transcription factors, ZmDREB1A, ZmbZIP1, and ZmNAC28, and the ABA‐dependent ZmCIPK3 was upregulated by Ch‐FANPs. Owing to the above, Ch‐FANPs are proposed as a growth‐promoting agent and elicitor of drought tolerance in maize via activation of antioxidant machinery and transcriptional reprogramming of drought‐related genes.
RETRACTED: Screening of key modules and key genes in the prevention of skin cancer development based on gene volcano plot and WGCNA
Authors: Yuan Rui , Bai Yaqiong , Du Hanghang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundSkin cancer, a prevalent form of cancer that is on the rise worldwide, requires proactive prevention strategies to reduce the burden of screening, treatment, and mortality. The KEGG research highlighted the significant involvement of red module genes in protein digestion and absorption. These findings provide valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with skin cancer susceptibility, offering potential targets for further research and development of preventive strategies.Materials and methodsHub genes numbered 130. “limma” in R found 600 DEGs from GSE66359 dataset. DEGs are enriched in BP: chromosome segregation, CC: chromosomal region, and MF: DNA replication origin binding, according to GO analysis. Cell cycle was enriched in DEGs by KEGG and GSEA. Finally, significant genes were COL5A1, CTHRC1, ECM1, FSTL1, KDELR3, and WIPI1.ResultsECM1 and WIPI1 greatly prevented skin cancer. This study created a coexpression network using WGCNA to investigate skin cancer susceptibility modules and cardiovascular disease genes.ConclusionOur study finds a module and many important genes that are essential building blocks in the etiology of skin cancer, which may help us understand the molecular mechanisms of disease prevention.