bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of in silico Models to Predict the Toxicity of Binary Heavy Metal Mixtures on Freshwater Phytoplankton
Authors: Cortés-Téllez A. A. , D’ors A. , Sánchez-Fortún A. , García-Martínez M. R. , Sánchez-Fortún S. , Bartolomé M. C. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In aquatic ecotoxicology, predicting the effects of different chemical mixtures on ecosystems is a priority. This aspect acquires special significance considering the diversity of pollutants in general, and heavy metals (HMs) in particular, coexisting in the aquatic environment and interacting with each other, generating different types of toxicological response depending on whether the interaction between them induces the development of antagonistic, additive or synergistic effects. Because the evaluation of HMs mixtures is complex due to the expensive and complex nature of the analyses, this work aimed to evaluate the predictive potential exhibited by the in silico "Toxic Units" (TUpred) and Combination Index (CI) models in cell growth inhibition assays of freshwater green algae Scenedesmus armatus exposed to binary HMs combinations, by comparison with the experimental results obtained (TUexp). For this purpose, cells were in vivo exposed to binary mixtures of cadmium (Cd+ 2) and the selected heavy metals silver (Ag+ 1), copper (Cu+ 2), mercury (Hg+ 2), zinc (Zn+ 2), and chromium (Cr+ 6) for 72 hours. Our results showed an inverse Fa-dependent relationship between TUexp and TUpred, and overall, a high variability in the results obtained for all the binary combinations analyzed. The CI predictive model showed a high correlation with in vivo assays (TUexp) when the affected fraction was high (Fa = 0.5), decreasing as Fa was lower until it did not correlate at the lowest Fa assayed (Fa = 0.1). These results demonstrate the suitability of using the CI model over the predictive TU model, and only at high HM concentrations.
Preoperative Echocardiographically Derived Mean dP/dTic Predicts Early Post-operative Dysfunction in Children Undergoing Mitral Valve Surgery
Authors: Gearhart Addison , Thatte Nikhil , Bassi Sunakshi , Sperotto Francesca , Nir Reuth , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Emani Sitaram , Rhodes Jonathan , Ghelani Sunil 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Mean dP/dtic is a quantitative measurement of ventricular function that can be obtained noninvasively by echocardiography. In adults with mitral regurgitation (MR) it has been shown to be a more sensitive predictor of post-operative left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). The utility of dP/dtic in pediatric congenital heart diseases with MR has been underexplored.
Methods
Patients (0 to ≤ 19 years) with MR who underwent mitral valve (MV) repair or replacement from 2015 to 2021 were included. Echocardiographically derived mean dP/dtic, Tei index, and EF were used to assess and compare ventricular function prior to, shortly after, and late after MV surgery.
Results
Study cohort included 61 patients (age 4.5 [IQR 0.14, 18.7] years, 89% MV repair, 11% MV replacement). Median time intervals between surgery and preoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative echocardiograms were 6 days, 6 days, and 350 days, respectively. Median EF was 62% (z-score − 0.40) preoperatively, 56% (z-score − 1.40) early postoperatively, and 61% (z-score − 0.60) late postoperatively. Median dP/dtic was 1393 (IQR 1029, 1775) mmHg/s preoperatively, 1178 (IQR 886, 1946) mmHg/s early postoperatively, and 1270 (IQR 791, 1765) mmHg/s late postoperatively. Preoperative median dP/dtic correlated with early and late postoperative EF. Preoperative EF was not significantly correlated with early postoperative EF, but was correlated with late postoperative EF.
Conclusions
Mitral valve intervention in pediatric patients is associated with an initial decline but long-term recovery of systolic function. Non-invasively derived mean dP/dtic may offer advantages over other preoperative echocardiographic indices to predict postoperative systolic function.
Self-Stigma, insight and influencing factors among Iranian neurotic psychiatric outpatients
Authors: Ayoubi Ayda , Amirkafi Ali , Shariat Seyed Vahid , Movahedi Sana , Shalbafan Mohammadreza 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
Self-stigma towards neurotic disorders is one the main barriers in help seeking and treatment behaviors and hugely impacts the patients’ quality of life. Insight is one of the factors affecting the internalized stigma. Therefore, the aim of this study is to find the relationship between self-stigma and insight among neurotic patients.
Methods
Participants were diagnosed with one of the neurotic disorders, consisted of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and didn’t have any recurrent episodes during the past six months, who came to outpatient clinics of Tehran Psychiatry Institute and Brain and Cognition Clinic, Tehran, Iran from July 2021 to June 2022. Self-stigma was measured by Mental Illness Stigma Scale questionnaire which is consisted of 34 questions and higher scores indicating higher stigma. Insight was measured by three agree/disagree questions about considering themselves mentally ill, having the need to be visited by a psychiatrist and having the need to use psychiatric medication.
Results
In total, 140 patients entered the study. Eighty-nine participants (63.6%) considered themselves mentally ill, one hundred twenty-six (90%) needed to be visited by a psychiatrist and one hundred and thirteen (80.7%) needed to use psychiatric medication. The mean score of stigma was 64.5 ± 21.0. Patients who needed to be visited by a psychiatrist and use psychiatric medication had higher stigma scores compared to the ones who didn’t (p = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). Also, more men compared to women considered themselves mentally healthy (p = 0.031) and more women felt they need to consume psychiatric medication (p = 0.041)
Conclusion
Patients who need to be visited by a psychiatrist and consume medications have higher stigma scores compared to the ones who didn’t feel the need for psychiatrist visit or medication consumption. On the other hand, there are no significant differences between the total stigma score of patients among the patients who are aware of presence of their illness and the ones who are not.
Exploring the Health Literacy and Health Situation of School Principals and Vice Principals in Punjab, Pakistan: Insights from an Online-Based Survey during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zakar Rubeena , Shahzad Ruhma , Tariq Fizza , Zakar Muhammad Zakria , Dadaczynski Kevin , Okan Orkan , Fischer Florian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to evaluate health literacy and general health status among school principals and vice principals in Pakistan, 1) to identify work-related factors associated with them, and 2) to determine their association with physical and mental health, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
An online-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 school principals and vice principals in Punjab province, Pakistan. The study was conducted under the COVID Global Health Literacy Network. Data related to socio-demographic characteristics, health literacy, general health status, chronic illnesses and impairment, well-being, psychosomatic complaints, and emotional exhaustion were collected. We applied bivariate analyses as well as binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses.
Results
Over half of the respondents (66.6%) had sufficient levels of health literacy. A good general health status was reported by 80.3%. One of the strongest predictors of health literacy and general health status was school position (principals vs. vice principals). Additionally, those with sufficient health literacy were less likely to have frequent emotional exhaustion; while those having good general health status were less likely to report low well-being, frequent emotional exhaustion, and psychosomatic complaints. The study also found that females were less likely to have a good general health status (OR = 0.45) and were more likely to have frequent emotional exhaustion (OR = 1.75) as well as psychosomatic complaints (OR = 1.94) than males.
Conclusions
Limited health literacy in school leaders requires interventions for better decision-making on health matters, emphasizing the need for targeted training programs.
Enterococcus faecium HDRsEf1 Represses CYP3A29 Expression in the Intestine through the TLR1/2-induced A20 to attenuate the NF-κB/RXR-α Signaling
Authors: Gong Yinghui , He Yucheng , Li Yue , Wang Ying , Jin Xiue , Shi Deshi , Wang Xiliang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
CYP3A29, like human CYP3A4 is crucial for drug metabolism in pigs and some probiotics can regulate the expression of CYP3A in mammals. Here, we show that Enterococcus faecium HDRsEf1 significantly reduces CYP3A29 expression in pig intestinal tissues and epithelial cells, dependent on cell-cell contact. In IPEC-J2 cells, HDRsEf1 decreased the CYP3A29 promoter activity, RXR-α expression and mitigated the RXR-α or PXR-increased CYP3A29 expression. Both RXR-α/PXR over-expression synergistically increased CYP3A29 expression while RXR-α or PXR silencing reduced CYP3A29 expression. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed that RXR-α directly interacted with PXR. HDRsEf1, like a NF-kB inhibitor, significantly decreased the NF-kBp65 activation, RXR-α and CYP3A29 expression, which were abrogated by RXR-α silencing. HDRsEf1 increased A20 expression dependent on TLR1/2 expression. Therefore, HDRsEf1 inhibits the expression of CYP3A29 through the TLR1/2-induced A20 to attenuate the NF-κB/RXR-α signaling in pig intestinal tissues. Our findings suggest potential risks in the clinical application of probiotics.
Insights of 2-D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for palaeo-channels and multi-aquifer dispositions in a morphodynamic system of the Ganga basin
Authors: Mondal Nepal Chandra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Deducing palaeo-channels, mapping its boundaries, and structure of multi-aquifer disposition are essential for groundwater management. Because it helps to augment groundwater resources by acting as recharge channels, knowing the disposition of multi-aquifer system. Thus, a high-resolution electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey was conducted to delineate these palaeo-channels and multi-aquifer in a morphodynamic system (area: ~521 km2) of the Ganga basin, northern India. This deposit comprises various grades of fine, medium, coarse, and gravelly sands which constitute the groundwater reservoir within the thick alluvial (~ 770 m) overlies on the Precambrian basement. The whole 19 ERT profiles were carried out with the spacings of 320–480 m using Wenner-Schlumberger configuration with the help of IRIS Syscal R1+ Instrument, France made. The field data were inverted into true the resistivities of the stratified layers using the RES2DINV vs. 3.71 Geotomo software, applying the smoothness-constrained least-squares optimization approach. The results indicate that the palaeo-channel resistivities vary from 20–60 Ω-m depending upon the water saturation in the sand horizons with a thickness of 4 to 40 m. It is nicely correlated with the borehole litho-logs. The deduced palaeo-channels are mainly oriented in the E-W and NE-SW directions, with a lateral extend of 40-200m at some places. On the palaeo-channels, the sediments are associated with comparatively high resistivities in the shallower part as compared to the top capping clay layer of the first principal aquifer, explored the depth of up to 90 m, bgl indicating the predominance of sand/sandy clay. These could be more productive and also form the recharge zones to the first principal aquifer.
The effect of large channel-based foraminoplasty on lumbar biomechanics in percutaneous endoscopic discectomy: a finite element analysis
Authors: Sun Wei , Li Duohua , Zhang Feng , Tian Jiayu , Fu Hao , Zhao Sicong , Feng Hu , Wu Dongying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of arthroplasty using large-channel endoscopy during TESSYS on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine in patients.
Methods:A complete lumbar spine model,M1, was built using 3D finite elements, and models M2 and M3 were built by simulating the intraoperative removal of the supra-articular synchondrosis of L5 using a Trephine saw withdiametersof 5 mm and 8.5 mm,respectively, and applying normal physiological loads on the different models to simulate six working conditions—lumbaranterior flexion, posterior extension, left-right lateral flexion, and left-right rotation—toobserve the stress distributions of the vertebral body, the discs, and the articular synchondrosis.
Results: Compared with the M1 model, theM2 and M3 models showed a decrease in stress at the L4-5 left synaptic joint and a significant increase in stress at the right synaptic joint in forward flexion. In the M2 and M3 models, the L4-5 articular synaptic joint stresses were significantly greater in left lateral flexion or left rotation than in right lateral flexion or right rotation. The right synaptic joint stress in M3 was greater duringleft rotation than that in M2, and that in M2 was greater than that in M1. The L4-5 disc stress in the M3 model was greater duringposterior extension than that in the M1 and M2 models. The L4-5 disc stress in the M3 model was greater in the right rotation than in the M2 model, and that in the M2 model was greater than that in the M1 model.
Conclusion:Arthroplasty using large-channel endoscopy increases the stress on articular synovial joints and segmental discs under certain working conditions but does not cause degeneration of the discs in adjacent segments.
Exploring Spatial Statistics for Cluster and Outlier Analysis in
Crime Patterns: A Geospatial Study of Coastal Zones in Kollam
and Thiruvananthapuram
Authors: V Vineesh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study investigates crime patterns within the coastal zones of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts in Kerala, India. Utilizing crime data from over 60 police stations for the year 2020, the research employs advanced spatial statistical techniques to conduct a rigorous analysis. A comprehensive geospatial approach is adopted to identify spatial clusters and outliers of criminal activity, offering valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of crime in these regions. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of crime, providing a scientific foundation for informed decision-making in both law enforcement and urban planning initiatives.
High-risk sexual behaviors and health services needs among bisexual men in Peru: a cross sectional study
Authors: Gervasi Giovani Díaz , Canto Yordanis Enriquez , Alvirio Luis Menacho 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to identify factors linked to effective bisexual behavior among self-identified bisexual men in Lima, with a focus on high-risk sexual behaviors and access to health services.
Materials and methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study with 560 participants who responded to a semi-structured survey. Those who reported having intercourse with a woman in the year prior to the survey were classified as effective bisexuals.
Results
Effective bisexuality (48.9%) was associated with being 36 years or older and engaging in sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.65–5.10, p < 0.01; OR: 3.33, 95% CI: 2.13–5.21, p < 0.01; respectively). Conversely, non-effective bisexuality was significantly associated with self-reporting HIV positive status and engaging in unprotected anal intercourse with any male sexual partner (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19–0.95, p: 0.037; OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.46–1.02, p: 0.04; respectively).
Conclusion
Bisexual self-identification does not necessarily correlate with intercourse with both men and women. Instead, it relates to various psychosocial factors that result in distinct behavioral patterns and health needs. It is crucial to develop prevention strategies targeting bisexual men, considering their limited access to health services, sociodemographic characteristics, and the prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors.
Scalable Version-aware Data Placement for In-Memory Databases
Authors: Zhang First Qian , Wei Second Jianhao , Zhang Third Shichen , Luan Fourth Hao , Gong Fifth Xueqing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Most modern in-memory database systems rely on multi-version concurrency control to support real-time data analysis without interfering with concurrent writes. However, this is not a good fit for heterogeneous workloads. We find that long version chains are the root cause of the throughput reduction. In this paper, we exploit a scalable version-aware data partitioning and placement approach for heterogeneous workloads that incorporates a suite of optimized techniques to significantly reduce the overheads incurred both during the initial placement and during version ingestion at runtime. The experiment results show that the proposed approach achieves 2x performance improvement compared with existing state-of-the-art approaches.
Performance of Windu Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) Cultivated in a Silvofishery Pond with the Application of Phytoimmune®
Authors: Eko Falah Muhammad , Hardi Esti Handayani , Pagoray Henny , Saptiani Gina , Agustina Agustina 
Published: April 2024

This study aim to evaluated the effects of using FITOIMUN® (mixture Boesenbergia pandurata and Solanum ferox), in pellet feed on tiger prawn (P. monodon) survival, weight gain, daily growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. A t-test with two treatments and four replications was did in this investigation. In this treatment, phytoimmune concentrations were 0 mLkg (PO) and 24 mL/kg (P1). The UPTD Seed Center for Brackish Water and Seawater Manggar provided the tiger prawn (P. monodon) used by PL 42 0,10±0,30 g. Feeding the addition of the extract with a dose equal to 5% of the shrimp's weight three times per day at 08.00, 13.00, and 17.00 WITA. Shrimp are culturing in empang parit silvofishery ponds using cages that are 4x2x1,1 m in size with 8 plots of waring as barriers. Shrimp care is done for 4 weeks, and growth observations are made as well as weekly survival tests. According to the findings, survival was 70% at P1 and 68% at P0. The results of weighing the average value at PO (0,38 g) and P1 (0,48 g), the daily growth rate of the average value at PO (4,07%) and P1 (5,91%), and the conversion ratio feed at P0 (1,78) and P1 (1,73). In this investigation, the average water quality was 28,90°C, 19,2 ppt of salinity, 7,33 pH, and 4,31 ppm of DO. The results of feeding tiger prawns (P. monodon) FITOIMUNⓇ 24 mL/kg feed revealed higher values for survival, weight increase, daily growth rate, and feed conversion ratio but no substantially different results (P>0, 05).
Characterisation of basin water allocation benefit function using a sigmoid-type S-curve logistic equation
Authors: Ishak Ahmad Fakhri , Lee Wei Koon , Lim Foo Hoat 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
As water allocation (WA) is reduced due to water scarcity in a river basin, the benefit function for the domestic water users and the economic sectors declines accordingly. Using the sigmoid-type equation, which is ubiquitous in natural and man-made systems, this study shows that the S-curve behaviour can be seen in a broad range of basin WA scenarios. A questionnaire survey reveals that progressive water supply cutback results in a mild initial hassle but builds up to an elaborate inconvenience and subsequently a diminished shock to the water users. The economic benefit of water consumption based on 8-year data of states in Malaysia shows evidence of the S-curve characteristics where lesser developed states tend to benefit more as water consumption increases. The model allows the sectorial benefit (and impact) level to be approximated as a function of basin water availability. The mathematical quantification, in lieu of qualitative descriptors, is useful as an integral component in water prioritisation and WA decision-making to provide an empirical assessment of optimum basin-wide benefit.
Using the precipitation concentration index for characterizing the rainfall distribution in the Levant
Authors: Salameh Ala A. M. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Climate change leads to altered spatial and temporal patterns of precipitation due to activating the hydrological cycle. This study analyzes the distribution of precipitation concentration over the Levant in 1970–2018 for the first time at various time scales. The precipitation concentration index (PCI) was calculated using a quality-controlled time series from 167 meteorological stations. Trends were calculated using a Mann–Kendall nonparametric test, and a nonparametric Mann–Whitney test was used to determine the statistical significance of the differences between the mean sub-periods. The Levant can be divided into three regions, a strongly irregular concentration in south Palestine and Jordan as well as east Jordan; an irregular concentration in center/north Palestine, north Jordan, and east Syria; and a moderately irregular concentration over the Syrian coast. The annual precipitation concentration index (PCI) for the Levant, Palestine, and Syria non-significantly increased by 0.33, 0.32, and 0.22 unit/decade, respectively. Significant increasing trends occurred in the northwest of the West Bank, with averages of 0.75 unit/decade. The seasonal rainfall distribution tends to be uniform in winter and spring, mainly for south Levant, whereas the annual rainfall tends to be more concentrated. The autumn PCI significantly decreased for the Levant, Palestine, and Syria by −0.46, −0.61, and −0.54 units/decade, respectively.
Assessing the impact of global carbon dioxide changes on atmospheric fluctuations in Iran through satellite data analysis
Authors: Mousavi Seyed-Mohsen , Mobarghaee Dinan Naghmeh , Ansarifard Saeed , Darvishi Golnaz , Borhani Faezeh , Naghibi Amir 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide (CO2), a significant greenhouse gas, drives climate change, influencing temperature, rainfall, and the hydrologic cycle. This alters precipitation patterns, intensifies storms, and changes drought frequency and timing of floods, impacting ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and societies globally. Understanding how global CO2 fluctuations impact regional atmospheric CO2 levels can inform mitigation strategies and Facilitate water resources management. The study investigates how global CO2 fluctuations affect atmospheric CO2 concentrations (XCO2) in Iran from 2015 to 2020, aiming to inform mitigation strategies against climate change. XCO2 data OCO-2 satellite and CO2 surface flux data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) were analyzed. Over the 6 years, XCO2 in Iran increased steadily by 12.66 ppm, mirroring global rises. However, Iran's CO2 surface flux decreased, with slight increases in anthropogenic emissions but decreased natural and total fluxes. Monthly patterns of XCO2 and surface flux exhibited variations, with XCO2 reaching its zenith in spring and dipping to its lowest point during summer, while surface flux peaked during the summer months. The results reveal a significant discrepancy between Iran's surface CO2 flux and atmospheric XCO2 trends. While Iran's anthropogenic emissions increased barely from 2015–2020, its natural and total CO2 fluxes decreased. However, XCO2 increased steadily over this period, indicating the dominant impact of global rather than local factors on Iran's XCO2. Curbing worldwide greenhouse gas output is imperative to disrupt the current trajectory of climate change. Reporting CO2 levels can inform climate mitigation plans, reducing emissions to combat global warming and minimize global impacts on the hydrologic cycle.