bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CD19 on CD20- immune cell causes aortic valve calcification by affecting levels of the plasma metabolite 1-(1-enyl-palmitoyl)-2-arachidonoyl-gpc (p-16:0/20:4): a Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Yi Shuoshuo , Liu Sheng , Wei Wei , Zhou Zhiming , Yang Bin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Immune cells play a significant role in the process of aortic valve calcification (AVC). However, the interactions between AVC and specific immune cell types have yet to be demonstrated. The aim of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between immune cells and AVC, as well as to determine the mediating role of potential plasma metabolites.
Methods
In this study, publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics were employed to ascertain the correlation between 731 immune cells and 1400 plasma metabolites with AVC. Firstly, two-sample and reverse Mendelian Randomisation Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses were conducted to ascertain the causal relationship between immune cells and AVC. Subsequently, a two-step MR analysis demonstrated that the relationship between immune cells and AVC was mediated by plasma metabolites. The robustness of the findings was confirmed by several sensitivity analyses.
Results
Our study indicate that 42 out of 731 immune cells were correlated with AVC. Among these, immune cell CD19 on CD20- demonstrated a positive correlation with AVC (OR_IVW = 1.0629, OR 95% CI = 1.0259–1.1012, P = 0.0007). Furthermore, immune cell CD19 on CD20- correlated with 47 metabolites, including a positive correlation with plasma 1-(1-alkenyl-palmitoyl)-2-propenoyl-GPC (P-16:0/20:4) levels (OR_IVW = 1.0535, OR 95% CI = 1.0079–1.1010, P = 0.0209). Additionally, 47 metabolites were found to be correlated with AVC. Notably, plasma 1-(1-enyl-palmitoyl)-2-arachidonoyl-GPC (P-16:0/20:4) levels exhibited a positive correlation with aortic calcification (OR_IVW = 1.0079, OR 95% CI = 1.0221–1.1383, P = 0.0058). Plasma 1-(1-enyl-palmitoyl)-2-arachidonoyl-GPC (P-16:0/20:4) levels acted as a mediator between CD19 on CD20- and AVC, with a mediation effect size of 0.0039, constituting 6.47% of the total effect.
Conclusion
The present study is based on a mediated MR analysis, which demonstrates that CD19 on CD20-immune cell cause AVC by affecting plasma 1-(1-enyl-palmitoyl)-2-arachidonoyl-GPC (p-16:0/20:4) levels. This provides a new perspective on the mechanism of the development of AVC and offers a potential therapeutic target for metabolic intervention.
Chiseling the Graph: An Edge-Sculpting Method for Explaining Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Tianchun , Shirani Farhad , Zheng Xu , Cheng Wei , Chen Haifeng , Luo Dongsheng , Zhang Xiang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) leverage the structural properties of the graph to inform the architecture of the neural network, thus achieving improved accuracy in graph learning tasks. However, like many neural network models, GNNs face a significant challenge with interpretability. To mitigate this issue, recent works have developed post-hoc instance-level explanation methods that focus on identifying minimal and sufficient subgraphs which strongly influence GNN predictions. Approaches that build on the graph information bottleneck principle (GIB) to quantify minimality and sufficiency have received particular attention, and have been used in several state-of-the-art explanation mechanisms. This work identifies several fundamental issues in such quantifications, particularly a signaling issue in the sufficiency, and a redundancy issue in the minimality quantifications. These may lead to explanations that do not accurately reflect the rationale behind GNN decisions. To overcome these challenges, we propose a new objective function and explainer architecture, dubbed the SculptEdgeX. The SculptEdgeX framework assesses the sufficiency of an input subgraph by generating an in-distribution supergraph and evaluating its prediction accuracy when processed by the GNN. This involves an initial densification process that adds edges to the input graph, followed by a selective edge removal step — called edge sculpting — to produce an in-distribution supergraph. To ensure the in-distribution property, we pre-train a calibrator network that parametrizes the underlying distribution of a given graph, hence enabling us to compare the distribution parameters with those of the original input distribution. We validate our method through extensive experiments on both synthetic and real-world datasets, demonstrating the effectiveness of SculptEdgeX in producing informative explanations.
State Hospital Pharmacists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Medication Counselling: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Buddhika Rathnaweera Bopage Janani , Jayasekera Rana Weerasinghe Mudiyanselage Jayanthi Priyadarshani , Wickramasinghe Nadeesha Dilmi Dias 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Medication counselling is an essential element of health care, particularly in pharmacy practice, as it promotes adherence to medications and minimizes adverse effects. Hospital pharmacists play a crucial role in pharmaceutical care by ensuring that patients use medications safely and effectively. In Sri Lanka, the role of hospital pharmacists is largely restricted to dispensing medications, providing limited drug information, managing pharmaceutical inventories, and compounding extemporaneous preparations within hospital settings. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pharmacists regarding medication counselling in government hospitals in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2022 across six state hospitals in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. A validated self-administered questionnaire was given to 160 hospital pharmacists to gather demographic details and assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to medication counselling. The collected data were analysed via IBM SPSS software (version 25), and descriptive statistical methods were applied.
Results
Of the 160 pharmacists, 119 responded to the questionnaire. A majority (99.2%) affirmed that medication counselling is a core responsibility, with 97.5% reporting their active involvement in this task. Notably, 92% were engaged in counselling activities, and 68.9% had more than a decade of experience. While most respondents acknowledged the importance of providing complete medication information, more than 80% routinely discussed essential details such as medication names, indications, administration routes, dosages, frequencies, treatment durations, and storage guidelines. The identified barriers to effective counselling included time constraints (87%), limited knowledge (67%), lack of updated drug information (67%), and heavy patient loads (82%). Online training was preferred for professional development.
Conclusion
State hospital pharmacists actively participated in medication counselling and exhibited positive attitudes towards it. Many were open to seeking further knowledge to improve service quality. However, significant obstacles remain, such as time limitations, a lack of updated knowledge, and high patient demand. To address these issues, it is recommended that policymakers, hospital administrators, and pharmacists collaborate on strategies to strengthen medication counselling services, including the establishment of standard guidelines and patient education initiatives.
A search-based scheduling algorithm in DVDS-enabled heterogeneous cloud computing environments
Authors: gorgini Farzin , Naji Hamid Reza 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Despite the rapid growth of technology and the rise of heavy computing, the need for using distributed systems such as cloud computing has become particularly important. Moreover, energy efficiency is considered to be a major issue in both distributed systems and data centers. Consequently, minimizing the total energy consumption is one of the most important concerns of cloud service providers and also observing the time limit of applications is one of the most important needs for the quality of services provided by these services. In this study four appropriate methods of energy-conscious scheduling for heterogeneous distributed systems in the cloud environment are presented with the aim of reducing the total energy consumption by observing the time limit of programs. Moreover, 1000 random graphs were used to evaluate the proposed methods. The simulation results using workflow graphs indicate that the proposed methods make a significant improvement in reducing the total energy consumption, while complying with time constraints compared to other previously studied algorithms.
Mechanical properties of a polyurethane-based composite modified with boron nitride
Authors: Mehrabova Matanat , Safarova Sevinj , Hasanov Niyazi , Kerimov Farhad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Polyurethane based composite formulation is developed, characterized by a significantly low amount of additives and their technological compatibility. It is shown that content of 0,05 mass% boron nitride in the polyurethane composition is optimal, as it leads to an increase in the mechanical strength of the film. This study presents temperature-time dependence of the mechanical strength of polyurethane films and the influence of BN additives on these characteristics. İt was defined that the observed increase in film strength at incorporating 0,05% by mass of BN to its content, associated with changes in the supramolecular structure, specifically the formation of spherulitic microstructure of supramolecular polyurethane. In the mechanical field, the bond rupture process is accelerated, thus the role of the load involves reducing bond energy, altering the distance between kinetic units, and fixing their movements, particularly difficulty of recombination of radicals. The structure of the formula in the durability equation suggests that the contribution of the load to bond rupture is represented by the term ασ mechanical field work. Throughout the entire range of applied loads, the product of ασ was significantly lower than activation energy. Therefore, the thermal fluctuations are the main factor causing breakdown, meaning the energy for body rupture is largely derived from thermal energy reserves rather than external work. Initial activation energy for mechanical failure of PU films and its optimally modified state remains unchanged. However, the additive influences to the magnitude of the structural sensitivity coefficient and the mechanical strength, so rupture occurs through chemical bonds.
Global Burden of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis and HIV Co-Infection and Its Attributable Risk Factors, 1990 to 2021, with Projections to 2031
Authors: Feng Liting , Wang Yubao , Li Li , Wang Xing , Feng Jing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The continuous spread of HIV and drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) co-infection is a significant challenge and threatens global tuberculosis (TB) control. The objective of this study was to analyze the global burden of HIV and drug-resistant tuberculosis co-infection across different age groups, genders, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions and attributable risk factors.
Methods
Data from the GBD 2021 and joinpoint regression analysis were utilized to examine trends from 1990 to 2021 across different genders and SDI regions. The A BAPC model was employed to forecast trends up to 2031.
Results
Co-infection of HIV with Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) shows no gender difference, while extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is more prevalent in men (all P < 0.01). The burden varies by SDI, with low SDI regions having more MDR-TB and high-middle SDI regions more XDR-TB. Unsafe sex was the primary risk factor for HIV co-infection with DR-TB, with drug use being the second major contributor in men and intimate partner violence in women. Projections of DR-TB by HIV status indicate a gradual decline from 2019 to 2031.
Conclusion
Despite declining trends, the burden remains substantial, especially in resource-limited areas. To combat co-infections of HIV and XDR-TB, in addition to reducing unsafe sexual practices, it is necessary to implement measures to curb drug abuse among men and protect women from intimate partner violence.
Clinical trial number: not applicable.
The Effect of Staple Line Reinforcement on Leakage and Bleeding Rates Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Multi-Center Study
Authors: Toolabi Karamollah , Gandominejad Ali , Delfan Sina Eskandari , Mohammadzadeh Narjes , Mirzaee Sahar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common bariatric procedure performed globally. LSG results in substantial body weight reduction and has a favorable impact on comorbidities associated with obesity. However, it has a risk of complications. The most prevalent complications after LSG are leakage, bleeding in the staple line, gastric pouch stenosis, mediastinal pouch migration, wound infection, and nutrient deficiencies. The objective of this study was to investigate the leakage and bleeding rates following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese patients after improving the surgical technique.
Materials and Methods
This interventional study was conducted on 107 morbidly obese patients aged > 18 years old who underwent LSG at two hospitals in Tehran (an academic hospital and a private hospital) from December 2021 to November 2022. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m² who did not have any comorbidities and patients with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² who had at least one comorbidity were included in the study. The patients had no previous history of systemic disease of the digestive system. All morbidly obese patients underwent surgery by an expert bariatric surgeon. To ensure consistency and accuracy, the laparoscopic technique and the surgeon were the same for all patients. The staple line was reinforced by polyglyconate and polydioxanone sutures. After surgery, the patients were meticulously examined to check for bleeding and acute or early anastomotic leakage.
Results
A total of 107 patients underwent LSG with staple line reinforcement using polyglyconate and polydioxanone sutures. The leakage rate was 0%, the bleeding rate was 0.9%, and the mean ± SD of the duration of surgery was 69.39 ± 12.56.
Conclusion
Reinforcing the staple line with polyglyconate and polydioxanone sutures during a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, while potentially prolonging the surgical length, is advantageous due to the substantial decrease in serious complications including leakage and bleeding.
Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in Dunaliella microalgae can diminish toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in favor of valuable metabolites production
Authors: Sajadinasab Jeyran , Manaffar Ramin , Askarizadeh Mandana , Hosseini Siavash , Dehghani Imaneh , Pourakbar Latife 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In Dunaliella tertiolecta and Dunaliella salina species, production of valuable metabolites such as soluble sugar and proteins, and proline as non-enzymatic antioxidant, as well as ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase and peroxidase as enzymatic antioxidant against the toxicity of two common PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) including phenanthrene and anthracene was evaluated. The results showed that toxicological parameters including growth rate, chlorophyll a content, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde production) were different for both Dunaliella species exposed to different concentrations (0, 3000, 6000 and 9000 µgL-1) of Phenanthrene and Anthracene in the culture media. There was a more inhibitory effect of Phenanthrene and Anthracene on cell number and chlorophyll a in D. salina than D. tertiolecta. Therefore, D. salina is more sensitive to PAHs stress than D. tertiolecta. Phenanthrene and Anthracene caused lipid peroxidation or malondialdehyde production but increased non-enzymatic metabolites such as sugar, proline and soluble protein as well as activity of enzymatic antioxidant such as ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase which scavenge produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to their toxicity. It is concluded that Phenanthrene and Anthracene had dose and species dependent effect on D. salina and D. tertiolecta. These PAHs was more toxic for D. salina than D. tertiolecta. Therefore, these species specially D. tertiolecta may be suggested as the good candidates to remove PAHs contaminations such as Phenanthrene and Anthracene from the aquatic environments. The positive correlation between growth rate of Dunaliella and chlorophyll content under PAHs stress were observed. Inversely, negative correlation between proline, sugar, protein content and growth rate showed their importance to PAHs resistance. Also, major role of antioxidants to PAHs resistance can be inferred by positive correlation of non-enzymatic antioxidants with enzymatic antioxidants.
The nematode egg parasitic fungi, Niesslia gamsii and Polydomus karssenii, protect tomato against Meloidogyne hapla infection by priming and regulating the plant defence system
Authors: Rashidifard Milad , Maier Wolfgang , Ashrafi Samad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Interaction between plant parasitic nematodes and their host plants is a dynamic process. While plants employ different defensive strategies to limit or avoid nematode infection, plant parasitic nematodes utilise various strategies to suppress plant defence. However, in the meantime, beneficial microorganisms can support plants in enhancing their defence mechanisms against pathogens. Nematophagous fungi can reduce infection of plant parasitic nematodes via direct parasitism and triggering plant defence system, having positive impacts on plant growth. We investigated the effect of the two nematode egg parasitising fungi Niesslia gamsii and Polydomus karssenii on nematode suppression in soil using greenhouse experiments by evaluating the potential of these fungi on direct parasitism against nematodes and by analysing the expression of plant defence related genes using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Niesslia gamsii and P. karssenii were originally isolated from naturally infested eggs of the cereal cyst nematode Heterodera filipjevi, and their nematode pathogenicity was proven through Koch’s postulates. Here we report on their parasitism towards the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla on tomato, where both fungi could significantly reduce the number of nematode eggs or second stage juveniles (J2) in tomato roots as well as the nematode reproduction rate. Both fungi also impeded nematode root invasion by limiting nematode penetration into tomato roots 3 and 7 days after being inoculated with the M. hapla J2. The results obtained in this study showed a substantial effect of both fungi on inducing defence responses in tomato plants towards M. hapla. Pre-treatment with N. gamsii and P. karssenii led to the expression of different marker genes associated with pathogen response pathways, including salicylic and jasmonic acid/ethylene regulated defensive. These findings suggest that N. gamsii and P. karssenii could prime the plant host for enhanced defence upon nematode attack.
Comparison of Anxiety and Depression in Children with Absent Fathers and Present Fathers in Iran
Authors: Nazari Fatemeh , Hosseini Akram Al-Sadat Sadat , Haghani Shima 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The presence of parents is beneficial and effective for healthy development, and their absence can lead to psychological problems in children, particularly adolescents. This study aimed to compare anxiety and depression in families with absent fathers and present fathers.
Methods
This descriptive cross-sectional study included a total of 140adolescents aged 13–18 from schools in Jahrom and Lar districts in Iran. Participants in the absent father group (where the father had not been present at home for at least 6 months due to work-related migration) were selected through convenience and snowball sampling methods, while an equal number of present fathers were randomly selected. Data were collected using Beck's Anxiety and Depression questionnaires, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Results
The mean and standard deviation of anxiety levels in the present fathers group were 13.37 and 11.45, while in the absent fathers group they were 14.54 and 11.48. The levels of depression in the present fathers group were 12.37 and 13.30, and in the absent fathers group, they were 14.93 and 12.74. According to the test results, the levels of anxiety and depression in the present fathers group and the absent fathers group showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.54 and p = 0.24, respectively).
Conclusions
The absence of a father due to work migration did not increase anxiety and depression levels in children. It is suggested that the impact of a father’s absence be examined considering the type of family structure as well.
What do Iranian couples prefer to have children? Evidence from a Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: shafaghat Tahereh , Bazyar Mohammad , lotfi Mohammad Hassan , Alimondegari Maliheh , Kalantari Forouzandeh , Ranjbar Mohammad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In response to the unprecedented decline in birth rates in Iran, a range of incentives has been introduced to encourage higher fertility among couples. This study aims to elicit Iranian families' preferences regarding proposed childbearing incentives through a discrete choice experiment. Data were collected in 2023 from a sample of 1,687 respondents. Five key attributes—economic, social, employment, healthcare, and cultural-recreational components—were identified through a systematic scoping review, 16 individual interviews, a focus group discussion, and a consensus development process. Utilizing an orthogonal design in SPSS software, 48 scenarios were initially generated, which were subsequently reduced to 24 choice sets for the final analysis. Preferences were analyzed using a conditional logit regression model in STATA17. The findings reveal significant preferences for incentives such as "provision of housing or government land," "full coverage of prenatal diagnostic services," "allocation of livelihood baskets," and "extended maternity leave." In contrast, the "allocation of stock shares" was the least preferred economic incentive (P < 0.0001, β=-0.3958). Notably, childbearing preferences varied between rural and urban respondents. Rural families prioritized support for home-based businesses and housewives, while urban families showed a stronger preference for housing and land-related incentives. This study provides valuable insights into the factors shaping childbearing preferences in Iran and offers important implications for policymakers. By considering the socio-economic and political context of the country, targeted policies can be designed to effectively encourage higher fertility and address the challenges posed by the declining birth rate.