bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Economic Crises on Japan’s Bilateral Trade Distribution: Examination of the Tohoku Earthquake Impact on African Markets
Authors: BIYIK Onur 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This paper examines the Japanese International Bilateral Trade Flow (JIBTF) in relation to economic crises, such as the Tohoku earthquake, and focuses on changes in the Distribution Networks of JIBTF (DNoJ) concerning African countries and Japanese Major Trade Partners (JMTP). The Harmonized System 6-digit level (“total” and product level) panel data from 2001 to 2019 are analyzed by employing the (structural) gravity method. First, the results of the study find that the Tohoku earthquake, compared to the 2008 crisis, has a stronger negative impact on the JIBTF and affects the DNoJ among Japanese trade partners. Second, the results prove that Japanese trade intention with African markets decreases relatively. In other words, exporting to African countries has a negative interaction effect after 2015. On the contrary, this interaction effect on JMTP comparatively increases; thus, Japan relocates its export to other markets such as JMTP. The Tohoku earthquake shaped the JIBTF to be more integrated with the Asia-Pacific and the EU regions, instead of African markets.JEL Classification Codes: F10, F14, C23, C24
PINK1 Kinase Enhances the Repair Effects of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice
Authors: Lin Chenyu , Chen Wen , Han Yong , Sun Yujie , Zhao Xiaoqiong , Yue Yuan , Li Binyu , Fan Wenmei , Zhang Tao , Xiao Li 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common severe acute syndrome caused by multiple causes, which is characterized by a rapid decline of renal function in a short period. Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are effective in the treatment of AKI. However, it remains unclear about the mechanism of their beneficial effects. PENT-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) may play an important role in the kidney tissue repair. In this study, an endeavor would be made to explore the enhancing effect of PINK1 overexpression on the repair of AKI through BMSCs. Methods: In this study, the ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury (IRI-AKI) in mice and the hypoxia-reoxygenation model of cells were established, and the indexes were detected by pathology and immunology experimental.Results: After ischemia/reperfusion, compared with the BMSCs group, the OE PINK1 group had a decreased expression of BUN, the mitigated renal fibrosis , the reduced tissue damage degree. Overexpressed PINK1 could decrease the inflammatory reaction of injured kidney tissues in IRI-AKI mice, the decreased expression of IL-10 in peripheral blood serum; and regulate the distribution of immune cells in the kidney during IRI, the decreased infiltration of lymphocytes, the increased infiltration of macrophages; and reduce the stress response of BMSCs under hypoxia and inflammation; and enhance the stress response of BMSCs to renal tubular epithelial cells(RTECs) under hypoxia and inflammation, the decreased apoptosis rate of RTECs, the decreased release of TNF-α in the cell supernatant, and the decreased proliferation of PBMCs in peripheral blood after hypoxia and reoxygenation; and regulate the autophagy of BMSCs in kidney tissues with IRI-AKI to better repair the injured kidney tissues, the increased expression of LC3-B related to autophagy and the decreased expression of mTOR.Conclusions: In this study, PINK1 overexpression enhances the repair effect of BMSCs on IRI-AKI, and the distribution of injured renal immune cells during IRI regulation by BMSCs. Besides, PINK1 enhances BMSCs and their resistance to the stress response of RTECs under hypoxia and inflammation. In addition, it regulates mitophagy during IRI-AKI. The findings of this study provide a new direction and target for the repair of IRI-AKI through BMSCs.
Long-term Pannexin 1 Ablation Produces an Imbalance Between Small Rho-GTPases Activity and Actin Polymerization Leading to Structural and Functional Modifications in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Flores-Muñoz Carolina , García-Rojas Francisca , Perez Miguel A. , Santander Odra , Mery Elena , Lopez-Espíndola Daniela , Gonzalez-Jamett Arlek M. , Fuenzalida Marco , Martinez Agustín D. , Ardiles Alvaro Oscar 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Enhanced activity and overexpression of Pannexin 1 (PANX1) channels contribute to neuronal pathologies, such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the hippocampus, the PANX1 channel ablation alters glutamatergic neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and memory flexibility. Nevertheless, PANX1-knockout (PANX1-KO) mice still preserve the ability to learn, suggesting that compensatory mechanisms work to stabilize neuronal activity. Here, we show that the absence of PANX1 in the adult brain promotes a series of structural and functional modifications in PANX1-KO CA1 hippocampal synapses, preserving spontaneous activity. Adult CA1 neurons of PANX1-KO mice exhibit enhanced excitability, a more complex dendritic branching, enhanced spine maturation, and multiple synaptic contacts compared to the WT condition. These modifications seem to rely on the actin-cytoskeleton dynamics as an increase in actin polymerization and an imbalance between Rac1 and RhoA GTPase activity is observed in the absence of PANX1. Our findings highlight a novel interaction between PANX1, actin, and small Rho GTPases, which appear to be relevant for synapse stability.
Smallholders Beef Cattle Commercialization in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Getahun , Fantahun Tegegn , Anshiso Desalegn 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In this study, the beef cattle markets in Southwest Ethiopia are analyzed based on a survey of 172 producers. The first part emphasized the characterization and commercialization of the beef cattle market in the study area. The second part is dedicated to identifying the factors affecting households’ participation in the beef cattle market using the Heckman two-step selection model. In the findings, the beef cattle market is characterized by the dominance of few traders, asymmetric information, lack of contract enforcement, lack of transparency among market actors, and poorly developed market infrastructure. There is very low net commercial off-take rate of cattle for smallholder farmers in the study area. The result from the Heckman two-step selection model revealed that having positive stock of cattle, better access to extension service & feed, and a better level of literacy enhanced market participation and sales volume. On the contrary, market participation and sales volume were negatively affected by cattle keeper’s age, non-livestock income, and poor road and health infrastructure. The study suggested that improving the market and health infrastructure, providing capacity building for producers, and improving access to feed could enhance the intensity of smallholder beef cattle market participation.
Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities Response Differently to Bombax Ceiba (Malvaceae) in a Traditional Agroforestry System
Authors: Wang Wen-Juan , Wen Jing , Malabrigo Pastor L. , Ren Ming-Xun 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background Agroforestry system is one of promising directions for developing sustainable agriculture because the intercropping of crops and trees may facilitate resource cycling and avoid soil degradation. Bombax ceiba (Malvaceae), a tall tree with red flowers blooming in Spring, is traditionally planted in rice paddies in tropical Asia, while the roles of B. ceiba in the agroecosystem remain unexplored.Methods In this paper, we investigated and assessed spatiotemporal variations of soil nutrient contents and soil bacterial and fungal communities along the distance gradients to B. ceiba during three reproductive stages of rice, i.e. booting, heading, mature, in a typical Bombax-dominated rice paddy on Hainan Island, South China.Results B. ceiba in rice paddy could improve the soil nutrient conditions, particularly available K and soil organic carbons. The relative abundance of Chloroflexi and Ascomycota increased while Actinobacteria decreased along the distance gradient to B. ceiba. In addition, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was highest at harvesting stage of rice, while Acidobacteria was richer in the early reproductive stage of rice. Soil potassium content was the principal driver in shaping soil bacterial diversity and composition, while fungal community was mainly affected by soil nitrogen.Conclusions Our results provide evidences for positive influences of B. ceiba on biotic and abiotic traits of rice paddy soils and thus lend supports to the ecological basis of this tropical Asian endemic traditional Agroforestry system, which could increase resource cycling and paddy stability and have the potential to reduce carbon emission.
Age, gender, and residence differences in prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity among older Chinese: Evidence from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey
Authors: Han Siyue , Mo Guangju , Gao Tianjing , Sun Qing , Liu Huaqing , Zhang Min 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background With the dramatic acceleration of ageing in China, multimorbidity among the older adults has become increasingly common，which are associated with more functional decline and higher health care utilization and mortality. Understanding demographic differences of patterns of multimorbidity is in favor of making targeted intervention strategies. The purpose of this study was to reveal age- specific, gender- specific, and residence- specific prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity among older adults in China.
Methods The present analysis is based on the 2018 wave of Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). We selected 13 chronic diseases from the CLHLS survey, and information was collected based on self-report. Multimorbidity was defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases from 13 chronic diseases in the same individual. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to examine multimorbidity according to age, sex, and residence. Patterns and trends of chronic disease pairs and multimorbidity were explored using association rule mining.
Results 9,660 individuals aged 65-117 years in the CLHLS were analyzed in this study. Overall, 74.4% of all participants had one or more morbidities, and 42.4% were multimorbid. The prevalence of individual chronic diseases ranged from 1.5% for cancer to 41.8% for hypertension, and each disease was often accompanied by one or more other chronic diseases. The prevalence of multimorbidity does not always increase with age. The subgroups with the highest prevalence of multimorbidity was 80-89 years old (48.2%), female (45.0%) and urban (47.2%) group. Prevalence of the hypertension- diabetes pattern decreases with age and is higher in women than in men. The prevalence of hypertension- depression pattern was at the highest among the 90-117 years and rural older adults, while the other groups were hypertension-heart disease. Moreover, it was noteworthy that the multimorbidity rate of dyslipidemia is the highest at 95.5% among the 13 chronic diseases.
Conclusions The prevalence of multimorbidity among older Chinese was substantial, and patterns of multimorbidity differed in age, sex, and residence. Future efforts are needed to identify possible prevention strategies and guidelines targeted demographic differences of multimorbid patients to promote health in older adults.
Trends in Surface Elevation and Accretion in a Retrograding Delta in Coastal Mississippi, USA from 2012 – 2016
Authors: Pitchford Jonathan , Cressman Kimberly , Cherry Julia A , Russell Brook T , McIlwain Jay , Archer Michael J , Underwood William V 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The Grand Bay estuary is in the north-central Gulf of Mexico and lacks riverine sediment input for marsh elevation maintenance. This study quantified trends in surface elevation change and accretion along an elevation gradient within the estuary. Elevation change rates were compared to short (13.71 mm/yr; 95% CI: -2.38 – 29.81), medium (6.97 mm/yr; 95% CI: 3.31 – 10.64), and long-range (3.50 mm/yr; 95% CI: 2.88 – 4.11) water level rise (WLR) rates for the region. Elevation change rates ranged from 0.54 mm/yr (95% CI: -0.63 – 1.72) to 5.45 mm/yr (95% CI: 4.27 – 6.62) and accretion rates ranged from 0.82 mm/yr (95% CI: -0.16 – 1.80) to 3.89 mm/yr (95% CI: 2.90 – 4.89) among marsh zones. Only the elevation change rate at a Juncus roemerianus marsh located high in the tidal frame was lower than long- ( P <0.001) and medium-range WLR rates ( P <0.01). The elevation change rate at a lower elevation J. roemerianus marsh was higher than the long-range WLR rate ( P <0.05). No marsh zones had elevation change rates that were significantly different from short-range WLR. These results suggest that J. roemerianus marshes higher in the tidal frame with limited sediment delivery are the most vulnerable to increases in sea level. Lower elevation marshes had higher rates of elevation change driven by sediment accretion and biogenic inputs. Other local research suggests that shoreline erosion is a threat to marsh persistence but provides elevation capital to interior marshes. Marsh migration is potential solution for marsh persistence in this relatively undeveloped area of the Gulf Coast.
Omicron favors neuropilin1 binding over ACE2: Increased infectivity and available drugs
Authors: Baindara Piyush , Roy Dinata , Mandal Santi M. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic is continue with thousands of new cases every day around the world, even then different vaccines have been developed and proven efficacious against SARS-CoV-2. Several know antivirals drugs have been repurposed or tested against SARS-CoV-2 but we still don’t have an effective therapeutic strategy to control this viral infection. Moreover, in the race of finding out an efficient antiviral, excess uses of antiviral drugs developed a selective pressure on the virus that results in the high frequency of mutations and the possible emergence of antiviral drug resistance against SARS-CoV-2. Omicron is a recently emerged, highly mutated variant of SARS-CoV-2, reported for high infectivity. In the present study, we performed molecular docking analysis between available potential antiviral drugs (remdesivir, nirmatrelvir, molnupiravir, EIDD-1931, GS-441524, and favipiravir) and omicron S protein including S protein/ACE2 complex. Our results suggest high infectivity of omicron, however, the known antiviral drugs were found efficacious against omicron variant. Further, to investigate the high infectivity of omicron, we performed a docking experiment between omicron S protein and neuropilin1 (NRP1). Surprisingly, results suggest high affinities with NRP1 than ACE2. Overall, results suggest that omicron favors NRP1 binding over ACE2, the possible reason behind improved infectivity of omicron variant.
A method for increasing electroporation competency of Gram-negative clinical isolates by Polymyxin B nonapeptide
Authors: Qin Jilong , Hong Yaoqin , Pullela Karthik , Morona Renato , Henderson Ian R. , Totsika Makrina 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The study of clinically relevant bacterial pathogens relies on molecular and genetic approaches. However, the generally low transformation frequency among natural isolates poses technical hurdles to widely applying common methods in molecular biology, including transformation of large constructs, chromosomal genetic manipulation, and dense mutant library construction. Here we demonstrate that culturing clinical isolates in the presence of polymyxin B nonapeptide (PMBN) improves their transformation frequency via electroporation by up to 100-fold in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. The effect was observed for PMBN-binding uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) and Salmonella enterica strains but not naturally polymyxin resistant Proteus mirabilis. Using our PMBN electroporation method we show efficient delivery of large plasmid constructs into UPEC, which otherwise failed using a conventional electroporation protocol. Moreover, we show a 5-fold increase in the yield of engineered mutant colonies obtained in S. enterica with the widely used lambda-Red recombineering method, when cells are cultured in the presence of PMBN. Lastly, we demonstrate that PMBN treatment can enhance the delivery of DNA-transposase complexes into UPEC and increase transposon mutant yield by 8-fold when constructing Transposon Insertion Sequencing (TIS) libraries. Therefore, PMBN can be used as a powerful electropermeabilisation adjuvant to aid the delivery of DNA and DNA-protein complexes into clinically important bacteria.
Real-world analysis of age-dependent efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Mattiuzzi Camilla , Henry Brandon M. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
We analyze here data from the Italian coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination campaign for providing real-world evidence on age-dependent efficacy of vaccination. Vaccine efficacy against infection, COVID-19 related hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission increased according to vaccination status, from people who received primary COVID-19 vaccination >4 months ago (36%, 87% and 93%, respectively), to those who received primary COVID-19 vaccination <4 months ago (60%, 90% and 94%, respectively), and finally to those with booster vaccine dose (60%, 98% and 98%, respectively). Vaccine efficacy (both primary and booster) against SARS-CoV-2 infection increased with ageing, though a similar trend could not be observed for hospitalization or ICU admission. Booster vaccine doses generated adjunctive protection against all endpoints compared to early primary vaccination in older people (i.e., aged >60 years). In conclusion, vaccine-elicited SARS-CoV-2 immunity declines over time, though vaccine boosters are effective for restoring immunity and conferring adjunctive protection.
Could The “Modified 8 D’s of Stroke Care” Improve Sex Disparities in Door-to-Needle Time in Acute Ischemic Stroke?
Authors: Jameie Meilka , Jameie Mana , Farahmand Ghasem , Ilkhani Saba , Magrouni Hana , Ranjbar Zahra , Heydari Sanaz , Shahbazi Mojtaba , Kaeedi Maryam , Amiri Rosita , Alizade Fateme , Balali Pargol , Amanollahi Mobina , Varedi Mahnaz , Pourghaz Bahareh , Ghabaee Mojdeh 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background and objectiveDoor-to-needle (DTN) time is an important factor in stroke settings for which studies have reported delays in women, resulting in worse stroke outcomes. We aimed to evaluate whether our modified algorithm could reduce sex disparities, especially in DTN.MethodsThis longitudinal cohort study was conducted between September 1, 2019, and August 31, 2021, at a comprehensive stroke center. Previously we utilized the conventional “D’s of stoke care” for timely management. The “modified 8 D’s of stroke care” was designed by our team in September 2020. Patients were analyzed in two groups: group 1, before, and group 2, after employing the modified algorithm. Sex as the main variable of interest along with other selected covariates were regressed towards the DTN, using univariable and multivariable logistic regressions.ResultsWe enrolled 47 and 56 patients who received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Although there was a significant difference in DTN≤ 1 hour in group 1 (36% of females vs. 52% of males, p= 0.019), it was not significantly different in group 2 anymore (48% of females vs. 48.4% of males, p= 0.97). Furthermore, regression analysis showed being female was a significant predictor of DTN> 1 hour in group 1 (aOR= 6.65, p= 0.02), while after the modified algorithm gender was not a predictor of delayed DTN anymore.ConclusionAlthough we have a long way to achieve performance measures in developed countries, we seem to have succeeded in reducing gender disparities in DTN using the modified algorithm.
Determinants affecting utilisation of health services and treatment for children under-5 in rural Nepali health centres: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shrestha Binod , Green Dan , Baidya Manish , Chater Tim , Karki Jiban , Lee Andrew , Khadka Seema , Pohl Gerda , Neupane Rudra , Rushton Simon 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Large inequalities in child health remain in Nepal, with caste, ethnicity and sex being major determinants of deprivation and negative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore whether key demographics on under 5s were associated with health seeking behaviours, utilisation of health care, and treatment received.Methods: Data came from Integrated Management of Neonatal & Childhood Illness (IMNCI) records of 23 health centres across five districts. After digitising the paper records, district, ethnicity, sex, age and temperature of the child were used to predict the number of days taken to seek medical care for Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), diarrhoea and fever. In addition to this, correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment of pneumonia was assessed against IMNCI guidelines, again using the demographic factors of interest to predict these outcomes.Results: From 116 register books spanning 23 health centres, 33,860 child patient records were considered for analysis. The median age of attendance was 16 months (Inter-Quartile Range= 9, 30), while there were more male children that attended (55.8% vs. 44.2% for females). There were statistically significant differences for the time taken to attend a health centre between different districts for ARI, diarrhoea and fever, with children in the remote Humla and Mugu districts taking significantly longer to present at a health facility after the onset of symptoms (all p<0.012). Children from underprivileged ethnic groups, Madhesi and Dalit, were less likely to be given a correct diagnosis of pneumonia (p=0.001), while males were more likely to receive a correct diagnosis than females (73% vs. 67%, p=0.001). This sex difference remained in the adjusted regression models for diagnosis of pneumonia (p=0.011) but not for treatment of pneumonia (p=0.202).Conclusions: Significant demographic differences were found based on ethnicity, sex, and district when examining health seeking behaviours for ARI, diarrhoea, and fever. Significant associations were seen for these same factors when exploring accuracy of diagnoses of pneumonia, but not for treatment. This study has emphasised the importance of a digitalised healthcare system, where inequalities can be identified without the reliance on anecdotal evidence.