bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of distance to health facility on neonatal mortality in Ethiopia
Authors: Kibret Getiye Dejenu , Demant Daniel , Hayen Andrew 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Introduction
In Ethiopia, more than half of newborn babies do not have access to Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) services. Understanding the effect of distance to health facilities on service use and neonatal survival is crucial to recommend policymakers and improving resource distribution. We aimed to investigate the effect of distance to health services on maternal service use and neonatal mortality.

Methods
We implemented a data integration method based on geographic coordinates. We calculated straight-line (Euclidean) distances from the Ethiopian 2016 demographic and health survey (EDHS) clusters to the closest health facility. We computed the distance in ESRI ArcGIS Version 10.3 using the geographic coordinates of DHS clusters and health facilities. Generalised Structural Equation Modelling (GSEM) was used to estimate the effect of distance on neonatal mortality.

Results
Poor geographic accessibility to health facilities affects maternal service usage and increases the risk of newborn mortality. For every ten kilometres (km) increase in distance to a health facility, the odds of neonatal mortality increased by 1.33% (95% CI: 1.06% to 1.67%). Distance also negatively affected antenatal care, facility delivery and postnatal counselling service use.

Conclusions
A lack of geographical access to health facilities decreases the likelihood of newborns surviving their first month of life and affects health services use during pregnancy and immediately after birth. The study also showed that antenatal care use was positively associated with facility delivery service use and that both positively influenced postnatal care use, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the components of continuum of care for maternal and neonatal care services. Policymakers can leverage the findings from this study to improve accessibility barriers to health services.
Insurance-based disparities in breast cancer treatment pathways in a universal healthcare system: a qualitative study
Authors: Kesici Zeynep , Yilmaz Volkan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The influence of healthcare system factors on treatment pathways for breast cancer has been studied extensively in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), but in upper-middle-income countries (UMICs), this area is understudied. This article focuses on the experiences of breast cancer patients in Türkiye, a UMIC with a universal healthcare system. It explores variations in treatment pathways based on the type of health insurance provider (private or state).

Methods
The study uses an exploratory qualitative method based on in-depth interviews with 12 breast cancer patients. The inclusion criteria were Turkish nationality, female gender, and having received treatment from a private hospital within one year of the interview. A purposeful sampling strategy was employed to recruit patients who had either social health insurance only or who had private health insurance in addition to their social health insurance. A two-stage thematic analysis of the interview data was conducted. First, we examined whether the type of insurance provider makes a difference in treatment pathways; we then identified healthcare system factors that explain these differences.

Results
The study revealed two distinct pathways to treatment. These differ in terms of financial protection, service coverage, and patients’ sense of equity. Patients with private insurance reported easy access to timely and comprehensive treatment. Those without, however, had to navigate complicated routes to treatment; they generally had to resort to seeking treatment from more than one hospital. We found two healthcare system factors that explained the differences: a failure to fully enforce the mandates of the state’s social health insurance in the private hospital sector and growing reliance on private insurance to gain access to essential services.

Conclusions
Based on data from the Turkish case, we conclude that healthcare system factors are indeed influential in shaping treatment pathways for breast cancer in UMICs with universal healthcare. These factors include a failure to fully enforce the mandates of the state’s social health insurance programme in the private hospital sector and a growing reliance on private insurance to gain access to essential services. We note that this contrasts dramatically with the situation in LMICs, where the main factors are low-quality care and shortages of medical staff, medicines, and technologies.
Pattern of OPD utilisation during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Universal Coverage Scheme in Thailand: what can 850 million records tell us?
Authors: Sukmanee Jarawee , Butchon Rukmanee , Karunayawong Picharee , Saeraneesopon Thanayut , Boonma Chulathip , Teerawattananon Yot , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Out-patient department (OPD) is a crucial component of the healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries including Thailand. A considerable impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its control measures, especially the lockdown, on utilisation of OPD services was expected. This study thus aims to estimate the pattern of OPD utilisation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand including overall utilisation and within each sub-groups including diagnostic group, age group, and health region.

Methods
This study was a secondary data analysis of aggregated outpatient data from patients covered under the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) in Thailand over a 4-year period (2017–2020). Interrupted time series analyses and segmented Quasi-Poisson regression were used to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the overall OPD utilisation including the impact on each diagnostic group, age groups, health regions, and provinces.

Results
Analysis of 845,344,946 OPD visits in this study showed a seasonal pattern and increasing trend in monthly OPD visits before the COVID-19 pandemic. A 28% (rate ratio (RR) 0.718, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.631–0.819) and 11% (RR 0.890, 95% CI: 0.811–0.977) reduction in OPD visits was observed during the lockdown and post-lockdown periods, respectively, when compared to the pre-lockdown period. Diseases of respiratory system were most affected with a RR of 0.411 (95% CI: 0.320–0.527), while the number of visits for non-communicable diseases (ICD-10: E00–E90, I00–I99) and elderly (> 60 years) dropped slightly. The post-lockdown trend in monthly OPD visits gradually increased to the pre-pandemic levels in most groups.

Conclusions
Thailand’s OPD utilisation rate during the COVID-19 lockdown decreased in some diseases, but the service for certain group of patients appeared to remain available. After the COVID-19 lockdown, the rate returned to the pre-pandemic level in a timely manner. Equipped with a knowledge of OPD utilisation pattern during COVID-19 based on a national real-world database could aid with a better preparation of healthcare system for future pandemics.
The effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) roots on the reproductive aspects in male Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Abdelfattah Mostafa Galal , Hussein Manal T. , Ragab Sohair M. M. , Khalil Nasser S. Abou , Attaai Abdelraheim H. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The Japanese quail is considered one of the most significant species in the poultry industry. However, the high male-to-female ratio results in the aggressive behavior of males. Dietary strategies that improve the properties of semen could reduce the number of males required to maintain optimal fertility and reduce aggressive behavior. Therefore, this study aims to provide insight into the possible improving efm fect of ginger roots on the reproductive aspects of Japanese male quails.

Results
To achieve this objective, powder of Ginger roots was administrated to 2 groups of quails (10, and 15 g/Kg feed) from 7 days until 70 days of age. Some males were reared singly in cages (n = 40 for each group) to assess sperm quality and other males (n = 32 for each group) were raised with females to assess fertility and sperm-egg penetration. Additionally, biochemical tests and histological examination were also performed. When compared to the control group, dietary inclusion of Ginger at a dose of 15 g caused more improvement in ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, motility, viability and sperm-egg penetration. Whereas, the motility and fertility percentages of sperms were equipotent in both doses. Dose-dependent increases were found in the cloacal gland area and volume, as well as foam production and weight. Both doses resulted in a significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol along with an elevation cin plasma testosterone and lipid peroxides. The comparison between all groups concerning nitric oxide, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity revealed the absence of significant difference. Morphologically, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the height of germinal epithelium significantly increased especially in the higher dose of Ginger.

Conclusions
Ginger roots especially at a dose of 15 gm/kg feed was effective in improving male reproductive performance. These findings are of utmost importance in encouraging the addition of Ginger roots in ration formulation in male quails.
Bisphenol A and bisphenol S both disrupt ovine granulosa cell steroidogenesis but through different molecular pathways
Authors: Téteau Ophélie , Vitorino Carvalho Anaïs , Papillier Pascal , Mandon-Pépin Béatrice , Jouneau Luc , Jarrier-Gaillard Peggy , Desmarchais Alice , Lebachelier de la Riviere Marie-Emilie , Vignault Claire , Maillard Virginie , Binet Aurélien , Uzbekova Svetlana , Elis Sebastien 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundOvarian granulosa cells (GC) are essential for the development and maturation of a proper oocyte. GC are sensitive to endocrine disruptors, including bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogue bisphenol S (BPS), plasticisers present in everyday consumer products. BPA exhibits greater binding affinity for the membrane oestrogen receptor (GPER) than for the nuclear oestrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). Here, we analysed the effects of BPA and BPS on the steroidogenesis of ovine GC in vitro, as well as their early mechanisms of action, the ovine being a relevant model to study human reproductive impairment. Disruption of GC steroidogenesis might alter oocyte quality and consequently fertility rate. In addition, we compared the effects of a specific GPER agonist (G-1) and antagonist (G-15) to those of BPA and BPS. Ewe GC were cultured with BPA or BPS (10 or 50 µM) or G-1 (1 µM) and/or G-15 (10 µM) for 48 h to study steroidogenesis.ResultsBoth BPA and BPS (10 µM) altered the secretion of progesterone, however, only BPS (10 µM) affected oestradiol secretion. RNA-seq was performed on GC after 1 h of culture with BPA or BPS (50 µM) or G-1 (10 µM), followed by real-time PCR analyses of differentially expressed genes after 12, 24 and 48 h of culture. The absence of induced GPER target genes showed that BPA and BPS did not activate GPER in GC after 1 h of treatment. These molecules exhibited mainly independent early mechanisms of action. Gene ontology analysis showed that after 1 h of treatment, BPA mainly disrupted the expression of the genes involved in metabolism and transcription, while BPS had a smaller effect and impaired cellular communications. BPA had a transient effect on the expression ofCHAC1(NOTCH signalling and oxidative balance),JUN(linked to MAPK pathway),NR4A1(oestradiol secretion inhibition),ARRDC4(endocytose of GPCR) andKLF10(cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis), while expression changes were maintained over time for the genesLSMEM1(linked to MAPK pathway),TXNIP(oxidative stress) andLIF(cell cycle regulation) after 12 and 48 h, respectively.ConclusionIn conclusion, although they exhibited similar effects, BPA and BPS impaired different molecular pathways in GC in vitro. New investigations will be necessary to follow the temporal changes of these genes over time, as well as the biological processes involved.
Dead space ventilation-related indices: bedside tools to evaluate the ventilation and perfusion relationship in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Zheng Mingjia 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCumulative evidence has demonstrated that the ventilatory ratio closely correlates with mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and a primary feature in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-ARDS is increased dead space that has been reported recently. Thus, new attention has been given to this group of dead space ventilation-related indices, such as physiological dead space fraction, ventilatory ratio, and end-tidal-to-arterial PCO2ratio, which, albeit distinctive, are all global indices with which to assess the relationship between ventilation and perfusion. These parameters have already been applied to positive end expiratory pressure titration, prediction of responses to the prone position and the field of extracorporeal life support for patients suffering from ARDS. Dead space ventilation-related indices remain hampered by several deflects; notwithstanding, for this catastrophic syndrome, they may facilitate better stratifications and identifications of subphenotypes, thereby providing therapy tailored to individual needs.
Analysis of microbial community and biodeterioration of maritime cultural relics (ironware, porcelain, axes, hull wood) from the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck
Authors: Pan Jiao , Han Yeqing , Wang Cen , Du Jing , Wang Yu , Chen Yue , Huang Xinduo , Ma Kaixuan , Zhang Zhiguo , Li Naisheng 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Maritime cultural relics from the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck were immersed in a buffer to maintain stability. To better monitor the changes in the composition of microorganisms in the buffer and, thus, prevent the damage to artifacts caused by harmful microorganisms.

Methods
In September and November 2019, we conducted high-throughput sequencing of water samples from four types of maritime cultural relics (ironware, porcelain, axe, and hull wood) to reveal the composition and changes in microbial communities. In addition, we isolated culturable microorganisms and conducted biocide sensitivity tests and lignin and cellulose degradation tests.

Results
Visible microbial colonization was observed in the water samples collected from the buffer solutions of ironware, porcelain, axe, and hull wood of the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck; additionally, apparent differences in the composition of microorganisms in the water samples collected from different cultural relics and different collection times of the same cultural relics were noted. Few species of bacteria and fungi from the microbial community observed in the maritime cultural relics were cultured, and it was noted that various biocides had certain inhibitory effects on them. Some dominant strains had lignin and cellulose degradation abilities and could only grow under specific environmental conditions.

Conclusion
We found apparent differences in the composition of microorganisms obtained from different cultural relics and different collection times of the same cultural relics. This study can provide data support for better protection of maritime cultural relics obtained from the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck and provide a theoretical basis for the biological protection of other maritime cultural relics.
Warming changes the composition and diversity of fungal communities in permafrost
Authors: Jiang Yunbing , Yang Libin , Wu Song , Zhou Tian 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
It is the data support and theoretical basis for the response mechanism of soil fungi to climate warming in permafrost areas in the Greater Xing’an Mountains.

Methods
We collected permafrost from the Greater Xing’an Mountains for indoor simulation experiments and took the natural permafrost as the control (CK) and the test groups of 0 °C (T1), 2 °C (T2), and 4 °C (T3) were set. Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology was used to understand the changes in characteristics of fungal communities, and the correlations were analyzed combined with the soil physicochemical properties.

Results
Compared with CK, the value of pH and the content of available potassium (AK) in the three warming treatment groups were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) content was significantly higher (P < 0.05). The content of total nitrogen (TN) and available nitrogen (AN) in the T1 and T3 groups was significantly lower than that in the CK group (P < 0.05). A total of 11 phyla, 39 classes, 89 orders, 187 families, 361 genera, and 522 species were obtained through fungal sequencing and divided into 1463 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Ascomycota and Dimorphospora were the dominant phylum and genus, respectively, and there were differences in the response of relative abundance of various groups at the phylum and genus levels to warming. Warming significantly decreased the Sobs and ACE indexes of the treatment groups (P < 0.05), and the Shannon and Shannoneven indexes also showed a downward trend. Moreover, warming significantly changed the fungal beta diversity (P < 0.01), while the value of pH and the content of TN, MBC, and AK could significantly affect the community structure (P < 0.05), and the correlation between fungi at different phyla levels and soil physicochemical properties was different.

Conclusions
These results can provide a reference for further study on the changes in composition and structure of fungal communities and the influence factor in permafrost in the Greater Xing’an Mountains under the background of warming.
Murine skin-derived multipotent papillary dermal fibroblast progenitors show germline potential in vitro
Authors: Ge Wei , Sun Yuan-Chao , Qiao Tian , Liu Hai-Xia , He Tao-Ran , Wang Jun-Jie , Chen Chun-Lei , Cheng Shun-Feng , Dyce Paul W. , De Felici Massimo , Shen Wei 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Many laboratories have described the in vitro isolation of multipotent cells with stem cell properties from the skin of various species termed skin-derived stem cells (SDSCs). However, the cellular origin of these cells and their capability to give rise, among various cell types, to male germ cells, remain largely unexplored.

Methods
SDSCs were isolated from newborn mice skin, and then differentiated into primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) in vitro. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was then applied to dissect the cellular origin of SDSCs using cells isolated from newborn mouse skin and SDSC colonies. Based on an optimized culture strategy, we successfully generated spermatogonial stem cell-like cells (SSCLCs) in vitro.

Results
Here, using scRNA-seq and analyzing the profile of 7543 single-cell transcriptomes from newborn mouse skin and SDSCs, we discovered that they mainly consist of multipotent papillary dermal fibroblast progenitors (pDFPs) residing in the dermal layer. Moreover, we found that epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling is pivotal for the capability of these progenitors to proliferate and form large colonies in vitro. Finally, we optimized the protocol to efficiently generate PGCLCs from SDSCs. Furthermore, PGCLCs were induced into SSCLCs and these SSCLCs showed meiotic potential when cultured with testicular organoids.

Conclusions
Our findings here identify pDFPs as SDSCs derived from newborn skin and show for the first time that such precursors can be induced to generate cells of the male germline.
Acceptability of neural stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy: survey of the Australian cerebral palsy community
Authors: Smith Madeleine J. , Finch-Edmondson Megan , Miller Suzanne L. , Webb Annabel , Fahey Michael C. , Jenkin Graham , Paton Madison Claire Badawy , McDonald Courtney A. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential to engraft and replace damaged brain tissue, repairing the damaged neonatal brain that causes cerebral palsy (CP). There are procedures that could increase engraftment of NSCs and may be critical for efficacy, but hold notable risks. Before clinical trials progress, it is important to engage with the CP community to understand their opinions. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability of NSC therapy for CP in the CP community.

Methods
Australian residents with CP and parents/carers of those with CP completed a questionnaire to determine their willingness to use NSCs from three sources (fetal, embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells) and their willingness to undergo accompanying procedures (neurosurgery, immunosuppression) that carry potential risks. To further explore their views, participants also answered free text questions about their ethical concerns regarding the source of NSCs and their perceptions of meaningful outcomes following NSC treatment.

Results
In total, 232 responses were analyzed. Participants were willing to use NSCs from all three cell sources and were willing to undergo NSC therapy despite the need for neurosurgery and immunosuppression. Participants identified a range of outcome domains considered important following NSC treatment including gross motor function, quality of life, independence and cognitive function.

Conclusions
Hypothetical NSC therapy was acceptable to the Australian CP community. This study has identified important findings from the CP community which can be used to inform future NSC research, including the design of clinical trials which may help to increase recruitment, compliance and participant satisfaction.
Explainable uncertainty quantifications for deep learning-based molecular property prediction
Authors: Yang Chu-I , Li Yi-Pei 
Published: February 2023

AbstractQuantifying uncertainty in machine learning is important in new research areas with scarce high-quality data. In this work, we develop an explainable uncertainty quantification method for deep learning-based molecular property prediction. This method can capture aleatoric and epistemic uncertainties separately and attribute the uncertainties to atoms present in the molecule. The atom-based uncertainty method provides an extra layer of chemical insight to the estimated uncertainties, i.e., one can analyze individual atomic uncertainty values to diagnose the chemical component that introduces uncertainty to the prediction. Our experiments suggest that atomic uncertainty can detect unseen chemical structures and identify chemical species whose data are potentially associated with significant noise. Furthermore, we propose a post-hoc calibration method to refine the uncertainty quantified by ensemble models for better confidence interval estimates. This work improves uncertainty calibration and provides a framework for assessing whether and why a prediction should be considered unreliable.
Graphical Abstract