bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of urban slum residence on coverage of maternal, neonatal and child health service indicators in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana: an ecological time-series analysis, 2018-2021
Authors: Dwomoh Duah , Iddi Samuel , Afagbedzi Seth Kwaku , Tejedor-Garavito Natalia , Dotse-Gborgbortsi Winfred , Wright Jim , Tatem Andrew J , Nilsen Kristine 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 and 3 emphasize the need to eliminate slums, provide access to safe and affordable housing and basic services, and achieve universal coverage of maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) services by 2030. Governments and development agencies have historically neglected the problems associated with living in urban slums across major capital cities in sub-Saharan Africa. Health policies and programs have tended to focus on people living in rural communities. This study assessed the trends and compared inequities in MNCH service utilization between slum and non-slum districts in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The study analyzed data from 29 districts using monthly time-series data on MNCH service utilization between January 2018 and December 2021 obtained from the routine health management information system. Multivariable quantile regression models with robust standard errors were used to quantify the impact of urban slum residence on MNCH service utilization. We assessed the inequality of MNCH coverage indicators between slum and non-slum districts using the Gini Index with bootstrapped standard errors and the Generalized Lorenz curve. The rates of vaccination coverage and antenatal care (ANC) attendance have declined significantly in slum districts compared to the non-slum districts. However, skilled delivery and postnatal care were found to be higher in the urban slum areas compared to the non-urban slum areas. To achieve the target of the SDGs, the Government and other relevant stakeholders should prioritize the implementation of effective policies, programs, and interventions aimed at improving access to and utilization of ANC and immunization services among the urban slum dwellers.
Physical and chemical properties of starfruit (Averrhoa Carambola L. cv. Bintang Mas) at different maturity indexes
Authors: Shapawi Zahrah-Izati Azhar , Ariffin Siti Hajar , Shamsudin Rosnah , How Syahmeer , Kantono Kevin , Baharom Ahmad Hafiz 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Combining Ability and Heterosis Estimation in Elite Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] Inbred lines Under Moisture Stress Areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Begna Temesgen , Birhan Techale , Tadesse Taye 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The most important prerequisite in crop improvement is the selection of suitable parents, which could combine well and produce desirable hybrids. However, narrow genetic base, lack of potential hybrids and lack of information on the genetic components are the most important limiting factors for sorghum yield improvement. Therefore, the present study was conducted to estimate the combining abilities and heterosis for yield and its components. A total of 42 sorghum genotypes were evaluated using alpha lattice experimental design with two replications at Mieso and Kobo during the cropping season of 2019. Combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences due to genotypes for all studied traits over locations, which indicates the availability of substation genetic variation among genotypes. Based on general combining ability analysis, inbred line 3 and 4 were identified as best general combiners for both days to flowering and plant height traits whereas inbred line 2 and 7 were identified as best general combiners for stay green traits. The hybrid crosses 4x14, 8x15 and 11x14 were identified as best specific combiners for grain yield while hybrid 1x15 was best specific combiner for days to flowering, days to maturity, panicle length, panicle width and thousand seed weight. The estimates of general and specific combining ability revealed the preponderance of non-additive gene action since the ratio of general combining ability to specific combining ability was less than unity for all the traits under study except for plant height. The maximum grain yield was obtained from a hybrid 4x14 (6.32 tha-1) followed by hybrid 8x15(5.92 tha-1), 1x15 (5.88 tha-1), 13x14 (5.78 tha-1) and 6x15 (5.57 tha-1) with the average value of 5.0 tha-1 which had higher mean value than the mean of the parents and the check. Among the hybrids, 8x15 recorded maximum heterosis (112.41%) over the mid parents, hybrid 1x15 revealed maximum heterosis (68.71%) over the better parent whereas 4x14 recorded maximum grain yield with (30.71%) heterosis over the standard check for grain yield. Finally, based on mean yield performance, heterosis response and combining ability estimates for grain yield and its components, the hybrid crosses 4x14, 8x15, 1x15, 11x14, 11x15, 13x14 and 6x15 were found to be the most promising and potential hybrids which could be exploited commercially after critical evaluation for their superiority and yield stability across the locations over years.
Using Bayesian Phylogenetics to Infer Manuscript Transmission History
Authors: McCollum Joey , Turnbull Robert 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Bayesian phylogenetic methods offer various models that would be especially suitable in the reconstruction of textual traditions, but text-critical applications of phylogenetics to date have generally not taken advantage of these features. In this paper, we offer a way forward for text-critical phylogenetics. On the side of theory, we highlight multiple Bayesian phylogenetic models and discuss their relevance to textual criticism. More practically, we show how TEI XML collations of textual traditions can be encoded to facilitate robust analyses using these models in BEAST 2, with the teiphy Python package mediating the conversion from TEI XML to BEAST XML. Finally, we give a proof of concept for this approach, showing that the results of BEAST 2 analyses of a sample collation of the Epistle to the Ephesians under different clock models cohere with established findings on the textual tradition of this work.
Congenital methemoglobinemia and abnormal hemoglobin M variant in a newborn with cyanosis
Authors: Dolgopolov I. S. , Rykov M. Yu. , Ryabtsev A. A. , Koltsova S. Yu. 
Published: April 2023

Congenital methemoglobinemia, especially caused by pathological hemoglobin M, is an extremely rare cause of cyanosis in newborns. The time to onset and severity of clinical manifestations in hemoglobin M disease depends on which globin chain the mutation occurred in.Purpose. To present the case of congenital methemoglobinemia associated with hemoglobin M disease, not recognized in the neonatal period, to summarize the data on diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis for this pathology.Clinical case. In a full-term child without organ pathology, the development of diffuse cyanosis in the early neonatal period, a decrease in pSO2 of 70%, resistant to oxygen therapy, and increasing anemia were noted. The level of methemoglobin is up to a maximum of 17%. A decrease in the level of methemoglobin to 5.7% and stabilization of pSO2 >90% were obtained after two transfusions of erythrocyte suspension. No pathological forms of hemoglobin were detected during electrophoresis on the 5th day of life. Repeated electrophoresis at the age of 5 months revealed a pathological hemoglobin fraction of 8.9% corresponding to hemoglobin M Iwate. During the first year of observation, the growth and development of the child corresponds to the age norm. Stable acrocyanosis. Methemoglobin in the blood remains at the level of 8.7–8.9% without specific therapy for the last 6 months.Conclusion. The diagnosis of congenital methemoglobinemia due to the presence of defective hemoglobin M (M-hemoglobinopathy) was established basing on the high persistent level of methemoglobin (9–12%) and hemoglobin electrophoresis identified an abnormal hemoglobin M (HbM Iwate) variant.
Effects of rice husk powder and thermal hydrolysis on sludge characteristics
Authors: Feng Guohong , Tian Ziyang , Wang Jun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

To reduce the water content and improve the incineration characteristics of sludge, rice husk and thermal hydrolysis were employed in this study. Effects of rice husk and thermal hydrolysis on the characteristics of the sludge were investigated. The results showed that synergistic thermal hydrolysis with rice husk could effectively destroy sludge particles and release more bound water. For rice husk with a particle size of 50-mesh and an additional amount of rice husk at 1:0.2, the solid content of the sludge was reduced from 17.4 to 16.2%, and the sludge particle size was reduced by 6%. Filtration time and specific resistance to filtrate (SRF) were shortened by 88.9 and 98.7%, respectively. The organic matter content of the filtration cake increased by 14%, compared with the sludge treated by thermal hydrolysis without rice husk. Furthermore, it could be shown that the most optimal conditions were rice husk of particle size 50-mesh and an additional amount of rice husk at 1:0.2, which could lead to effective thermal hydrolysis and higher organic matter content of the filtration cake.
The Gut Microbiota-Brain Axis: Potential Mechanism of Drug Addiction
Authors: Luo Xiao , Li Hong , Fan Xuan , Wu Xiaocong , Zhou Ruiyi , Lei Yi , Xue Dan , Yang Fazheng , Xu Yu , Wang Kunhua 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
As a chronic encephalopathy, drug addiction is responsible for millions of deaths per
year around the world. The gut microbiome is a crucial component of the human microbiome.
Through dynamic bidirectional communication along the 'gut-brain axis,' gut bacteria cooperate
with their hosts to regulate the development and function of the immune, metabolic, and nervous
systems.

:
These processes may affect human health because some brain diseases are related to the composition
of gut bacteria, and disruptions in microbial communities have been implicated in neurological
disorders.

:
We review the compositional and functional diversity of the gut microbiome in drug addiction.
We discuss intricate and crucial connections between the gut microbiota and the brain involving
multiple biological systems and possible contributions by the gut microbiota to neurological disorders.

:
Finally, the treatment of probiotics and fecal transplantation was summarized. This was done to further
understand the role of intestinal microecology in the pathogenesis of drug addiction and to explore
new methods for the treatment of drug addiction.
Neuroprotective Potential of Polydatin in Combating Parkinson’s Disease
through the Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase-B and Catechol-o-Methyl
Transferase
Authors: Phukan Banashree Chetia , Roy Rubina , Choudhury Shuvasish , Bhattacharya Pallab , Borah Anupom 
Published: April 2023

Aims:
This study aims to deduce the plausible contribution of polydatin in dopamine replenishment and dopaminergic neuroprotection to unveil its potential as a drug candidate for PD.

Background:
Available therapies for the management of dopaminergic degradation in Parkinson’s disease (PD) provide only symptomatic relief and are associated with various adverse effects. Levodopa (L-DOPA) is an age-old therapy in the treatment paradigm of PD, either used as mono-therapy or in combination with the inhibitors of the dopamine catabolising enzymes monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) and catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) for replenishing the levels of the neurotransmitter. The discovery of plant-based novel drug therapies would help to target multiple pathways underlying the disease pathogenesis and are associated with minimal side effects. Polydatin, the precursor of resveratrol, has been explored recently to possess neuroprotective efficacy, however, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the Parkinsonism-associated neurobehavioral recovery as well as the neurorescue potential of polydatin has not been illustrated yet.

Objective:
The present study aimed to unveil the role of polydatin in dopamine upregulation in PD, by determining its dual inhibitory potential on the enzymes responsible for its breakdown, MAO-B and COMT. The study further aimed to elucidate the role of this molecule in regulating the enzymatic activity of Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), the crucial enzyme underlying several pathogenic pathways leading to neurodegeneration.

Methods:
Molecular docking simulation of polydatin with the dopamine catabolizing enzymes MAO-B and COMT, as well as cPLA2, along with their respective known inhibitors was performed using the Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) 2.1 package.

Results:
In-silico analyses revealed that polydatin could significantly inhibit the activities of this dopamine catabolizing enzyme, MAO-B, and COMT with comparable docking scores and more numbers of hydrogen bonds, and weaker interactions as that of their respective available synthetic inhibitors. Moreover, it was found that polydatin could regulate the activity of cPLA2 comparable to its known inhibitors.

Conclusion:
Polydatin exhibited efficacy as a potent dopamine replenishing agent by inhibiting its metabolizing enzymes as well as found to have efficacy against neuroinflammation, thereby highlighting the significance of designing novel phyto drugs for combating dopamine deficiency in PD.
Neuroprotective and Nootropic Evaluation of some Important Medicinal Plants in Dementia: A Review
Authors: Shah Fahad Hassan , Eom Young Seok , Lim Kyeong Ho , Kim Song Ja 
Published: April 2023

:
Dementia is a devitalising decline in neurological acuity, which burdens both high- and lowincome
countries due to poor diagnostic systems and high healthcare costs. A growing population and
rises in deleterious environmental and genetic anomalies aggravate new and aggressive cases of dementia
and neurodegenerative disorders. The unparalleled capability of medicinal plants is constantly explored in
treating neurological disorders, and some of these phytocompounds are used for treating diseases. However,
some of these metabolites are neurotoxic and disrupt DNA polymerase functions. They possess lifethreatening
side effects and are unable to prevent disease progression. Therefore, it is important to focus
on discovering novel compounds from new medicinal plants. Our review encompasses some medicinal
plant metabolites recently explored in treating this disease. We also summarized the molecular mechanism
of action as determined in in-vitro: the toxic dose, nootropic and neuroprotective effects on neurophysiology
and neurotransmitter levels, and the antioxidant effects.
Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Gram-negative Bacteria in an Iranian
Referral Pediatric Hospital: A Present Danger of New Delhi Metallo-β-
lactamase
Authors: Mahmoudi Shima , Pourakbari Babak , Rostamyan Maryam , Raji Hojatollah , Sadeghi Reihaneh Hosseinpour , Mamishi Setareh 
Published: April 2023

Background:
Antimicrobial resistance among gram-negative bacteria has been growing,
particularly in developing countries, like Iran. The emergence and spread of carbapenem-resistance
mechanisms is a major public health concern because no definite treatments have yet been established
for this problem. This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic susceptibility of gram-negative bacteria,
metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) and carbapenemase-producing genes, including bla NDM, bla
VIM, and bla IMP in patients referred to Children’s Medical Center, Tehran, Iran.

Material and Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, a total of 944 gram-negative isolates were tested
in the study, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed. Moreover, MBL production of
carbapenem-resistant isolates, as well as the presence of bla NDM, bla VIM, and bla IMP, was investigated.

Results:
The most common gram-negative isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (489 samples,
52%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (167 samples, 18%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (101
samples, 11%), Enterobacter spp. (64 samples, 7%), Pseudomonas spp. (35 samples, 4%), Acinetobacter
baumannii (18 samples, 2%), and Burkholderia cepacia (17 samples, 2%). Imipenemresistant
was found in 75%, 61%, and 60% of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Enterobacter spp.,
and A. baumannii isolates, respectively. Moreover, the highest resistance to meropenem was observed
in S. maltophilia, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and B. cepacia (100%, 96%, 83%, and
61.5%, respectively). Double disk synergy test (DDST) results showed that 112 out of 255 carbapenem-
resistant isolates (44%) were MBL-producing ones. The presence of the bla NDM gene
was identified in 32 (29%) of MBL-producing isolates, 13 of which were K. pneumoniae, 7 P. aeruginosa,
and 7 E. coli, 3 Enterobacter spp., and 2 Klebsiella spp, respectively. The presence of the
bla IMP and bla VIM genes was detected in 2 (2%) and 1 (1%) of MBL-producing isolates. These
genes were detected in only MBL-producing P. aeruginosa isolates.

Conclusion:
Our findings suggest the emergence of NDM-producing strains in our hospital, and
bla NDM was the most frequently detected carbapenemase gene in MBL-producing P. aeruginosa,
K. pneumoniae, and Klebsiella spp. Since such bacteria can easily spread among patients in the
hospital, a strong infection control and prevention plan is highly recommended.
Periostin Acts as a Bridge between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
and Chronic Inflammation to Modulate Insulin Resistance by Modulating
PPARα/NF-κB/TNF-α Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ji Qun , Li Xinying , Wang Yan , Liu Haiwei , Chen Kaining , Quan Huibiao , Zhang Huachuan , Ran Jianmin 
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is considered an imbalance of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance during pregnancy.

Aim/Objective:
To evaluate the levels of periostin (POSTN) in patients with GDM and investigate the association between POSTN and GDM.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 30 pregnant women (NC group) and 30 pregnant women with GDM (GDM group) were involved. The GDM mouse model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin, and insulin resistance indices were tested. An immunohistochemical and Western blot assay was conducted to determine the expression of POSTN, PPARα, TNF-α, and NF-kB. HE staining was performed to evaluate inflammation in the placental tissues of women with GDM and GDM mice. POSTN-siRNA was transfected into glucose-pretreated HTR8 cells, and pAdEasy-m-POSTN shRNA was infected in GDM mice. The RT-PCR assay determined the gene transcription of POSTN, TNF-α, NF-kB, and PPARα.

Results:
Pregnant women in the GDM group demonstrated significantly higher OGTT (p<0.05), insulin levels (p<0.05) and insulin resistance (p<0.05) compared to those of the NC group. The serum levels of POSTN in pregnant women of the GDM group were significantly higher than that of the NC group (p<0.05). The obvious inflammation was activated in pregnant women in the GDM group. POSTN-siRNA significantly enhanced the cell viability of glucose-treated HTR8 cells compared to that without glucose treatment (p<0.05). POSTN-siRNA (pAdEasy-m-POSTN shRNA) markedly reduced the glucose level of glucose-treated HTR8 cells (GDM mice) compared to that without treatment (p<0.05). POSTN-siRNA (pAdEasy-m-POSTN shRNA) promoted PPARα gene transcription (p<0.05) and inhibited NF-kB/TNF-α gene transcription (p<0.05) in glucose-treated HTR8 cells (GDM mice) compared to those without treatment. POSTN-siRNA modulated NF-kB/TNF-α pathway mediated inflammation by regulating PPARα in HTR8 cells and GDM mice. PPARα participated in POSTN-associated inflammation. pAdEasy-m-POSTN shRNA inhibited T-CHO/TG levels in GDM mice compared to those without treatment (p<0.05). All the effects of POSTN-siRNA (pAdEasy-m-POSTN shRNA) were obviously blocked by PPARα inhibitor treatment.

Conclusion:
POSTN levels were significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM and were associated with chronic inflammation and PPARα expression. POSTN may act as a bridge between GDM and chronic inflammation to modulate insulin resistance by modulating PPARα/NF-κB/TNF-α signaling pathway.
Applications of Silver Nanoparticles in Patent Research
Authors: Azevedo Ana Paula G.B. , Müller Nathalia , Sant´Anna Celso 
Published: April 2023

Background:
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely applied in research and industrial
fields, finding applications in nanomedicine, drug delivery, biomedical devices, electronics, the energy
sector, and environmental protection. Patents provide information on the industrial viability of
product technologies, and the number of patent documents provides an estimate of the evolution of a
specific technological field.

Aims:
The present work aims to describe the current trends in AgNPs patent applications. In addition, a
retrospective study of published patents in Brazil is presented.

Methods:
Analyses of AgNPs-related patents were conducted using the free platform for patent search
Lens® in 2010-2019 and articles published in same period using the Scholar® base. The patent applications
and their evolution over time, major depositors and holders, and the main technological areas associated
with AgNP applications have been described.

Results:
China and United States are the major patent applicants for nanotechnologies. The worldwide
distribution of publications of journal articles shows that China, India, and the United States are the
leading countries in the total number of articles published, in that order.

Conclusion:
Our study of patent applications and published articles confirmed the growing global increase
in new technologies involving NPs and AgNPs, particularly in the biotechnology area, in the
fields of medicine and agriculture.
An Overview on Naturally Occurring Phytoconstituent: Lithospermic Acid
Authors: Semwal Bhupesh Chander , Hussain Amjad , Singh Sonia 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
Lithospermic acid is a phenylpropanoid oligomer isolated from an aqueous extract of dried
roots of various Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae plants and used as a folk medicine to treat cardiovascular
disease and to improve body functions. The manuscript has been written to provide valuable insights into
naturally occurring phytocomponent, Lithospermic acid, and even explore its therapeutic potential. The
data have been gathered from books and web sources, including Science Direct, Publons, Web of Science,
and Scopus of the latest year. Lithospermic acid is a conjugate of rosmarinic and caffeic acid with a dihydro
benzofuran nucleus and possesses a high antioxidant potential and prevents the production of superoxide
radicals and lipid peroxidation and protects the tissue from deleterious effects of reactive oxygen
species. In addition, it also possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities, including reducing atherosclerosis,
anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, HIV-1 integrase, and hyaluronidase inhibition,
aldose reductase inhibition and improvement in uremic symptoms guanidino succinic acid level. Due
to its anti-HIV activity, LA has gained much attention among the scientific community. Moreover, it is
widely distributed to all the peripheral tissue in rats, and its metabolites undergo enterohepatic circulation
and are excreted through biliary excretion. In this review, we concluded LA with its phytochemistry,
pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological activities.