bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of inequality in utilization of maternal healthcare services between Bangladesh and Pakistan: evidence from the demographic health survey 2017–2018
Authors: Misu Farjana , Alam Khurshid 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundInequality in maternal health has remained a challenge in many low-income countries, like Bangladesh and Pakistan. The study examines within-country and between-country inequality in utilization of maternal healthcare services for Bangladesh and Pakistan.MethodsThe study used the latest Demographic Health Surveys (DHS, 2017–2018) datasets of Bangladesh and Pakistan for women aged 15–49 years who had given at least one live birth in three years preceding the survey. Equity strata were identified from the literature and conformed by binary logistic regressions. For ordered equity strata with more than two categories, the relative concentration index (RCI), absolute concentration index (ACI) and the slope index of inequality (SII) were calculated to measure inequalities in the utilization of four maternal healthcare services. For two-categories equity strata, rate ratio (RR), and rate difference (RD) were calculated. Concentration curves and equiplots were constructed to visually demonstrate inequality in maternal healthcare services.ResultsIn Bangladesh, there was greater inequality in skilled birth attendance (SBA) based on wealth (RCI: 0.424, ACI: 0.423, and SII: 0.612), women’s education (RCI: 0.380, ACI: 0.379 and SII: 0.591), husband’s education (RCI: 0.375, ACI: 0.373 and SII: 0.554) and birth order (RCI: − 0.242, ACI: − 0.241, and SII: -0.393). According to RCI, ACI, and SII, there was inequality in Pakistan for at least four ANC visits by the skilled provider based on wealth (RCI: 0.516, ACI: 0.516 and SII: 0.738), women’s education (RCI: 0.470, ACI: 0.470 and SII: 0.757), and husband’s education (RCI: 0.380, ACI: 0.379 and SII: 0.572). For Bangladesh, the RR (1.422) and RD (0.201) imply more significant urban–rural inequality in SBA. In Pakistan, urban–rural inequality was greater for at least four ANC visits by the skilled provider (RR: 1.650 and RD 0.279).ConclusionInequality in maternal healthcare is greater among the underprivileged group in Pakistan than in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, the SBA is the most inequitable maternal healthcare, while for Pakistan it is at least four ANC visits by the skilled provider. Customized policies based on country context would be more effective in bridging the gap between the privileged and underprivileged groups.
Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits myeloid differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells by binding S100 calcium binding protein A8 to improve cognition in aged mice
Authors: Gong Xue , Shen Haitao , Guo Liuling , Huang Ce , Su Tingting , Wang Hao , Feng Shengyu , Yang Shanshan , Huo Fenjiao , Liu Haifeng , Zhu Jianbo , Zhu Jian-Kang , Li Hongbin , Liu Hailiang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a saponin compound often used as a flavoring agent, can elicit anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, and alleviate aging. However, the specific mechanism by which GA alters immune cell populations to produce these beneficial effects is currently unclear.

Results
In this study, we systematically analyzed single-cell sequencing data of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from young mice, aged mice, and GA-treated aged mice. Our in vivo results show that GA reduced senescence-induced increases in macrophages and neutrophils, and increased numbers of lymphoid lineage subpopulations specifically reduced by senescence. In vitro, GA significantly promoted differentiation of Lin−CD117+ hematopoietic stem cells toward lymphoid lineages, especially CD8+ T cells. Moreover, GA inhibited differentiation of CD4+ T cells and myeloid (CD11b+) cells by binding to S100 calcium-binding protein 8 (S100A8) protein. Overexpression of S100A8 in Lin− CD117+ hematopoietic stem cells enhanced cognition in aged mice and the immune reconstitution of severely immunodeficient B-NDG (NOD.CB17-Prkdcscid/l2rgtm1/Bcgen) mice.

Conclusions
Collectively, GA exerts anti-aging effects by binding to S100A8 to remodel the immune system of aged mice.
Validating stroke-induced bilateral ankle coordination deficits using bilateral ankle measure relationship with motor functions in lower limbs
Authors: Chang Jia-Lan , Chen Hung-Ju , Chen Po-Yin , Chou Li-Wei , Lai Chien-Hung , Lu Yueh-Hsun , Chiang Shang-Lin , Lin Chia-Huei , Wang Xin-Miao , Lin Chueh-Ho 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundCoordinated control between the bilateral ankle joints plays an important role in performing daily life functions, such as walking and running. However, few studies have explored the impact of stroke on movement disorders that decrease the coordination control of the bilateral extremities and may decrease daily activities that require coordination control of the bilateral ankles. This study aimed to investigate the coordination control of the bilateral ankles using a novel bilateral ankle measurement system and evaluate the relationship of bilateral movement coordination control deficits with motor and functional performances of the lower extremities in patients with stroke.MethodsTwenty-one healthy adults (36.5 ± 13.2 y/o) and 19 patients with chronic stroke (58.7 ± 10.5 y/o) were enrolled. A novel measurement device with embedded rotary potentiometers was used to evaluate bilateral ankle coordination control. Participants were asked to move their dominant (non-paretic) foot from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion position and non-dominant (paretic) foot from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion position (condition 1) simultaneously, and vice versa (condition 2). Alternating time and angle for coordination control with movements of both ankles were calculated for each condition. Motor and functional performance measurements of the lower extremities included the lower-extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Test (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Barthel Index (BI).ResultsCompared with the healthy group, alternating time was shorter in the stroke group by 8.3% (p = 0.015), and the alternating angles of conditions 1 and 2 were significantly higher than those of the healthy group by 1.4° (p = 0.001) and 2.5° (p = 0.013), respectively. The alternating angle in condition 2 showed moderate correlations with TUG (r = 0.512; p = 0.025), 10-m walk (r = 0.747; p < 0.001), gait speed (r =  − 0.497 to − 0.491; p < 0.05), length (r =  − 0.518 to − 0.551; p < 0.05), and BI (r =  − 0.457; p = 0.049).ConclusionStroke decreases alternating time, increases alternating angle, and shows bilateral ankle coordination control deficits temporally and spatially. A higher alternating angle is moderately to highly associated with motor function and lower limb function in patients with stroke.
Marek’s disease in chicken farms from Northwest Ethiopia: gross pathology, virus isolation, and molecular characterization
Authors: Birhan Mastewal , Gelaye Esayas , Ibrahim Saddam Mohammed , Berhane Nega , Abayneh Takele , Getachew Belayneh , Zemene Aragaw , Birie Kassahun , Deresse Getaw , Adamu Kassaye , Dessalegn Bereket , Gessese Abebe Tesfaye , Kinde Mebrie Zemene , Bitew Molalegne 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMarek’s disease virus (MDV) is a highly contagious, immunosuppressive, and oncogenic chicken pathogen causing marek’s disease (MD). In this outbreak-based study, 70 dual-purpose chickens that originated from poultry farms in Northwest Ethiopia and suspected of MD were sampled for pathological and virological study from January 2020 to June 2020. Clinically, affected chickens showed inappetence, dyspnea, depression, shrunken combs, and paralysis of legs, wings, and neck, and death. Pathologically, single or multiple greyish white to yellow tumor-like nodular lesions of various size were appreciated in visceral organs. In addition, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, renomegaly, and sciatic nerve enlargement were observed. Twenty-seven (27) pooled clinical samples i.e. 7 pooled spleen samples and 20 pooled feathers samples were aseptically collected. Confluent monolayer of Chicken Embryo Fibroblast cells was inoculated with a suspension of pathological samples. Of this, MDV-suggestive cytopathic effects were recorded in 5 (71.42%) and 17 (85%) pooled spleen and feather samples respectively. Molecular confirmation of pathogenic MDV was conducted using conventional PCR amplifying 318 bp of ICP4 gene of MDV-1, of which, 40.9% (9/22) tested positive. In addition, 5 PCR-positive samples from various farms were sequenced further confirming the identity of MDV. The ICP4 partial gene sequences were submitted to GenBank with the following accession numbers: OP485106, OP485107, OP485108, OP485109, and OP485110. Comparative phylogenetics showed, two of the isolates from the same site, Metema, seem to be clonal complexes forming distinct cluster. The other three isolates, two from Merawi and one from Debretabor, appear to represent distinct genotypes although the isolate from Debretabor is closer to the Metema clonal complex. On the other hand, the isolates from Merawi appeared genetically far related to the rest of the 3 isolates and clustered with Indian MDV strains included in the analysis. This study presented the first molecular evidence of MDV in chicken farms from Northwest Ethiopia. Biosecurity measures should strictly be implemented to hinder the spread of the virus. Nationwide studies on molecular characteristics of MDV isolates, their pathotypes, and estimation of the economic impact associated with the disease may help justify production and use of MD vaccines within the country.
Usefulness of intravoxel incoherent motion MRI for visualizing slow cerebrospinal fluid motion
Authors: Yamada Shigeki , Hiratsuka Shinnosuke , Otani Tomohiro , Ii Satoshi , Wada Shigeo , Oshima Marie , Nozaki Kazuhiko , Watanabe Yoshiyuki 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
In the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, the pulsations of cerebral arteries and brain is considered the main driving force for the reciprocating bidirectional CSF movements. However, measuring these complex CSF movements on conventional flow-related MRI methods is difficult. We tried to visualize and quantify the CSF motion by using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI with low multi-b diffusion-weighted imaging.

Methods
Diffusion-weighted sequence with six b values (0, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 s/mm2) was performed on 132 healthy volunteers aged ≥ 20 years and 36 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The healthy volunteers were divided into three age groups (< 40, 40 to < 60, and ≥ 60 years). In the IVIM analysis, the bi-exponential IVIM fitting method using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm was adapted. The average, maximum, and minimum values of ADC, D, D*, and fraction of incoherent perfusion (f) calculated by IVIM were quantitatively measured in 45 regions of interests in the whole ventricles and subarachnoid spaces.

Results
Compared with healthy controls aged ≥ 60 years, the iNPH group had significantly lower mean f values in all the parts of the lateral and 3rd ventricles, whereas significantly higher mean f value in the bilateral foramina of Luschka. In the bilateral Sylvian fossa, which contain the middle cerebral bifurcation, the mean f values increased gradually with increasing age, whereas those were significantly lower in the iNPH group. In the 45 regions of interests, the f values in the bilateral foramina of Luschka were the most positively correlated with the ventricular size and indices specific to iNPH, whereas that in the anterior part of the 3rd ventricle was the most negatively correlated with the ventricular size and indices specific to iNPH. Other parameters of ADC, D, and D* were not significantly different between the two groups in any locations.

Conclusions
The f value on IVIM MRI is useful for evaluating small pulsatile complex motion of CSF throughout the intracranial CSF spaces. Patients with iNPH had significantly lower mean f values in the whole lateral ventricles and 3rd ventricles and significantly higher mean f value in the bilateral foramina of Luschka, compared with healthy controls aged ≥ 60 years.
Morphological and mitochondrial changes in murine choroid plexus epithelial cells during healthy aging
Authors: Scarpetta Valentina , Bodaleo Felipe , Salio Chiara , Agarwal Amit , Sassoè-Pognetto Marco , Patrizi Annarita 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Choroid plexuses (ChPs) are intraventricular structures mainly composed by specialized epithelial cells interconnected by tight junctions that establish the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier. ChPs are essential to produce CSF and transport solutes from and into the brain. Deterioration of ChP function and morphology has been correlated to worsening of neurodegenerative disorders. We here map morpho-functional changes in the ChP epithelial cells during healthy aging, starting from young adult to 2-years old mice.

Methods
We used a multi-tiered approach, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, Western Blot and 2-photon microscopy (2-PM) at multiple timepoints ranging from young adult to 2-years old mice.

Results
We identified distinct morpho-functional modifications in epithelial cells of ChP starting from 8 to 12 months of age, which mostly remained stable up to 2 years. These changes include flattening of the epithelium, reduction of microvilli length and an augmentation of interrupted tight junctions. We also found a decrease in mitochondria density together with elongation of mitochondria in older mice. Morphological mitochondrial rearrangements were accompanied by increased superoxide levels, decreased membrane potential and decreased mitochondrial motility in aged mice. Interestingly, most of the age-related changes were not accompanied by modification of protein and/or gene expression levels and aged mitochondria effectively responded to acute pharmacological stressful stimuli.

Conclusions
Our study suggests a long-term progression of multiple morpho-functional features of the mouse choroid plexus epithelium during adulthood followed by structural remodeling during the aging process. These findings can lead to a better understanding on how functional and morphological rearrangements of ChP are correlated during aging.
Estimates of the permeability of extra-cellular pathways through the astrocyte endfoot sheath
Authors: Koch Timo , Vinje Vegard , Mardal Kent-André 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Astrocyte endfoot processes are believed to cover all micro-vessels in the brain cortex and may play a significant role in fluid and substance transport into and out of the brain parenchyma. Detailed fluid mechanical models of diffusive and advective transport in the brain are promising tools to investigate theories of transport.

Methods
We derive theoretical estimates of astrocyte endfoot sheath permeability for advective and diffusive transport and its variation in microvascular networks from mouse brain cortex. The networks are based on recently published experimental data and generated endfoot patterns are based on Voronoi tessellations of the perivascular surface. We estimate corrections for projection errors in previously published data.

Results
We provide structural-functional relationships between vessel radius and resistance that can be directly used in flow and transport simulations. We estimate endfoot sheath filtration coefficients in the range $$L_p=2\times 10^{-11}\,\hbox {m}\,\hbox {Pa}^{-1}\,\hbox {s}^{-1}$$

L
p

=
2
×

10

-
11

m

Pa

-
1

s

-
1

to $$3\times 10^{-10} \,\hbox {m}\,\hbox {Pa}^{-1}\,\hbox {s}^{-1}$$

3
×

10

-
10

m

Pa

-
1

s

-
1

, diffusion membrane coefficients for small solutes in the range $$C_M= 5 \times 10^{2}\,\hbox {m}^{-1}$$

C
M

=
5
×

10
2

m

-
1

to $$6\times 10^{3}\,\hbox {m}^{-1}$$

6
×

10
3

m

-
1

, and gap area fractions in the range 0.2–0.6%, based on a inter-endfoot gap width of 20 nm.

Conclusions
The astrocyte endfoot sheath surrounding microvessels forms a secondary barrier to extra-cellular transport, separating the extra-cellular space of the parenchyma and the perivascular space outside the endothelial layer. The filtration and membrane diffusion coefficients of the endfoot sheath are estimated to be an order of magnitude lower than those of the extra-cellular matrix while being two orders of magnitude higher than those of the vessel wall.
ROS generation and p-38 activation contribute to montmorillonite-induced corneal toxicity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Liu Jia , Yang Shubin , Zhao Laien , Jiang Feng , Sun Jianchao , Peng Shengjun , Zhao Ruikang , Huang Yanmei , Fu Xiaoxuan , Luo Rongrui , Jiang Yu , Li Zelin , Wang Nan , Fang Tengzheng , Zhang Zhuhong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Montmorillonite (Mt) and its derivatives are now widely used in industrial and biomedical fields. Therefore, safety assessments of these materials are critical to protect human health after exposure; however, studies on the ocular toxicity of Mt are lacking. In particular, varying physicochemical characteristics of Mt may greatly alter their toxicological potential. To explore the effects of such characteristics on the eyes, five types of Mt were investigated in vitro and in vivo for the first time, and their underlying mechanisms studied.

Results
The different types of Mt caused cytotoxicity in human HCEC-B4G12 corneal cells based on analyses of ATP content, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, cell morphology, and the distribution of Mt in cells. Among the five Mt types, Na-Mt exhibited the highest cytotoxicity. Notably, Na-Mt and chitosan-modified acidic Na-Mt (C-H-Na-Mt) induced ocular toxicity in vivo, as demonstrated by increases corneal injury area and the number of apoptotic cells. Na-Mt and C-H-Na-Mt also induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in vitro and in vivo, as indicated by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and dihydroethidium staining. In addition, Na-Mt activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. The pretreatment of HCEC-B4G12 cells with N-acetylcysteine, an ROS scavenger, attenuated the Na-Mt-induced cytotoxicity and suppressed p38 activation, while inhibiting p38 activation with a p38-specific inhibitor decreased Na-Mt-induced cytotoxicity.

Conclusions
The results indicate that Mt induces corneal toxicity in vitro and in vivo. The physicochemical properties of Mt greatly affect its toxicological potential. Furthermore, ROS generation and p38 activation contribute at least in part to Na-Mt-induced toxicity.
Cognitive function in recovered COVID-19 Lebanese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Haddad Chadia , Chamoun Angela , Sacre Hala , Hallit Souheil , Salameh Pascale , Calvet Benjamin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Introduction
It remains unclear whether COVID-19 which is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is associated with the deterioration of cognitive function among patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to evaluate changes in cognitive function before and after COVID-19 and associated factors among patients with schizophrenia at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross (HPC).

Methods
A prospective cohort study was conducted among 95 patients with schizophrenia followed from mid-2019 until June 2021 at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross (HPC). This cohort was divided into a group diagnosed with COVID-19 (n = 71) and another not diagnosed with COVID-19 (n = 24). The questionnaire included the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

Results
The repeated-measures ANOVA showed no significant effect of time and the interaction between time and being diagnosed or not with COVID-19 on cognition. However, being diagnosed or not with COVID-19 had a significant effect on global cognitive function (p = 0.046), verbal memory (p = 0.046), and working memory (p = 0.047). The interaction between being diagnosed with COVID-19 and cognitive impairment at baseline was significantly associated with a higher cognitive deficit (Beta = 0.81; p = 0.005). Clinical symptoms, autonomy, and depression were not associated with the cognition (p > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion
COVID-19 disease affected global cognition and memory: patients diagnosed with COVID-19 had more deficits in these domains than those without COVID-19. Further studies are necessary to clarify the variation of cognitive function among schizophrenic patients with COVID-19.
Suicide and COVID-19: a rapid scoping review
Authors: Barlattani Tommaso , D’Amelio Chiara , Capelli Francesco , Mantenuto Simonetta , Rossi Rodolfo , Socci Valentina , Stratta Paolo , Di Stefano Ramona , Rossi Alessandro , Pacitti Francesca 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThere is considerable interest in exploring effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on mental health. Suicide is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide and changes in daily life brought by the pandemic may be additional risk factors in people with pre-existing mental disorders. This rapid PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) scoping review aims to identify and analyze current evidence about the relation between COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, along with COVID-19 disease and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection, and suicide in individuals with previously diagnosed mental disorders. First, we conducted a comprehensive review of the literature, then proceeded to discuss findings in a narrative way. Tables were constructed and articles sorted according to the studies’ methodologies. 53 papers were eventually identified as eligible, among which 33 are cross-sectional studies, 9 are longitudinal studies, and 11 studies using other methodologies. Despite suffering from a mental disorder is a risk factor for suicidal behavior per se, the advent of COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate this relation. Nevertheless, data addressing a clear correlation between suicidal behavior and the pandemic outbreak are still controversial. Longitudinal analysis using validated suicide scales and multicenter studies could provide deeper insight and knowledge about this topic.