bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drought Variation Characteristics and Effects on Vegetation Productivity in Gansu, Northwest China
Authors: Cheng Junqi , Yin Shuyan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Changes in vegetation productivity (GPP) have an important impact on the global carbon cycle. Gansu is located in the arid and semi-arid region in northwest China, and its ecological environment is fragile. The study of the impact of drought on GPP is of great significance to the global ecosystem carbon cycle. Based on the SPEI index in Gansu from 2000 to 2020, this paper analyzed the changing characteristics of drought and its impact on GPP. The results revealed that: (1) In the past 21 years, the annual SPEI-12 has been increasing at a rate of 0.3/10a, and it was divided into two distinct dry and wet stages. Before 2018, it was mainly dry, after 2018, it was mainly humid. SPEI-3 decreased at a rate of 0.1/10a in spring, fluctuated significantly in summer, and increased in autumn and winter.(2) The annual SPEI-12 of most meteorological stations was less than 0, the SPEI value increased from northwest to southeast. Except for summer, the SPEI-3 value varied greatly in other seasons, increasing from west to east in spring, decreasing from south to north in autumn, and decreasing from west to east in winter.(3) GPP displayed a significant increasing trend (R2 = 0.57, p < 0.01) in Gansu from 2000 to 2020 .The spatial variation increased from northwest to southeast.(4) Annual SPEI-12 was positively correlated with GPP, SPEI-3 was negatively correlated with GPP in spring and autumn, and positively correlated in summer and winter. The correlation between SPEI-3 and GPP in summer passed the significance test.
Site Effects Assessment and Soil-Structure Resonance in The Old Center of Algiers
Authors: PONODOLIS Emma , Souici Rania 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
During earthquakes affecting urban areas, we often deplore damages to buildings. The pattern of these damages depends on the characteristics of the event, the site response, and the vulnerability of exposed structures. The old urban center of Algiers is a densely populated district. Preserving human lives is therefore of primary importance. Soil-structure interaction is an important factor in site-wide risk assessment. When the ground and supported buildings have similar frequencies, this interaction induces a phenomenon called resonance.
In this study, the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and the Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) of microtremors techniques were applied in order to evaluate the fundamental frequencies of the ground; as well as the fundamental, longitudinal, and transverse frequencies of each selected building. This investigation aimed to detect the existence of the resonance phenomenon. If we assume that the sample of buildings tested is representative of the urban district of the area studied, we can conclude that buildings in the old center of Algiers, are not exposed to a resonance phenomenon. The same conclusion was observed from the analysis of the results of the post-seismic investigations obtained from two major past earthquakes, El Asnam on 10/10/1980 and Boumerdes on 21/05/2003. The first one is considered as a distant event from Algiers, while the second one is at a nearby location.
Neutralization-activity of Sera/IgG Obtained from Fully BNT162b2- Vaccinated Individuals Against 10 Clinical SARS-CoV-2 isolates Including Various VOCs (Alpha/Beta/Gamma/Delta) and VUM (Kappa)
Authors: Amano Masayuki , Otsu Sachiko , Maeda Kenji , Uemura Yukari , Shimizu Yosuke , Matsuoka Masao , Shimada Shinya , Mitsuya Hiroaki 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In the present prospective study, 225 individuals in Kumamoto General Hospital, Japan, who received two-doses of BNT162b2 vaccine were enrolled/followed up over 150 days. Neutralizing activity (NT50) of sera on day-60 post-1st -dose against wild-type (SARS-CoV-2Wuhan)(n = 211) and 9 variants (VOCs; Alpha/Beta/Gamma/Delta, and VUM; Kappa)(n = 45) were examined. Also, antiviral activity (EC50) of IgG obtained from day-60 sera against SARS-CoV-2Wuhan and 9 variants were evaluated (n = 45). Finally, time-dependent alterations of IgG-activity (n = 25) against SARS-CoV-2Wuhan/variants were examined. Day-60 sera showed reduced NT50 by more than 50% against all variants, and greatest reduction was seen with Beta. IgG of high-responders (IgGhighs) and moderate-responders (IgGmoderates) showed similar fold-changes in EC50 against each variant compared to SARS-CoV-2Wuhan. However, absolute EC50 of IgGhighs were 2 ~ 3-folds greater than those of IgGmoderates against all SARS-CoV-2s. Evaluation of EC50 of IgG obtained at different time-points (day-28 to -150) revealed time-dependent reduction of IgG-activity against various VOCs/VUM. However, against Delta, relatively long-lasting favorable EC50 (at least 150 days) of both IgG were observed. Our data strongly suggest that rapid expansion of vaccine administration in Japan was remarkably effective to repress SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with the spread of Delta, and give insights in better understanding of the antiviral-efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and vaccine-elicited immune-response.
Genetic variation of HSD17B13 is associated with an increased risk of lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Fan Hong , Zhang Xin , Zhang Pengyan , Liu Zhenqiu , Han Xinyu , Shi Tingting , Wu Sheng , Xu Yiyun , Zhao Xiaolan , Chen Xingdong , Zhang Tiejun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background/purpose: Carriage of HSD17B13 rs72613567:TA is associated with a reduced risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, whether this protective effect exists in lean NAFLD remains unknown. Therefore, we compared the association of HSD17B13 rs72613567 and NAFLD between lean and non-lean individuals.Methods: We tested the association of HSD17B13 rs72613567 with NAFLD, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 313,309 individuals from the UK Biobank, including 1464 patients with NAFLD, 1559 with cirrhosis, and 526 with HCC. We calculated the minor allele frequency (MAF) of HSD17B13 rs72613567 and analyzed this SNP using codominant, dominant, and recessive models. Furthermore, we calculated the population-attributable fraction (PAF) and the combined PAF for five SNPs (HSD17B13 rs72613567, TM6SF2 rs58542926, MBOAT7 rs641738, PNPLA3 rs738409, and GCKR rs1260326) and used multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) to analyze the interactions between HSD17B13 and the other four SNPs. Results: The MAF of HSD17B13 rs72613567 was considerably higher in lean NAFLD (32.57%) than in non-lean NAFLD (26.16%). Moreover, homozygosity of the TA allele showed a significant risk effect in the codominant (OR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.09–3.44) and recessive models (OR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.12–3.35). By contrast, in the case of cirrhosis, HCC, and non-lean NAFLD, both homozygosity and heterozygosity of the TA allele showed a protective effect. Finally, the MDR analysis did not detect any interaction between HSD17B13 and the other four SNPs. Conclusion: The polymorphism of HSD17B13 rs72613567 is different between lean and non-lean NAFLD, and the TA allele showed a risk effect for lean NAFLD.
Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessments of Mercury in the Soil of the Main Regions in a China’s Typical Agricultural County: Dehui
Authors: Zhou Xuhang , Zhang Gang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Dehui county is a typical agricultural area, with cultivated land accounting for more than 70% of the total land area. It has become a national agricultural demonstration area of "high yield, high quality and high efficiency". As a typical agricultural county in northeastern China and with the only title “China’s famous food city” in all the county-level cities, the environmental conditions of the soil in Dehui County with over 100 years city history face high ecological risks. In the present study, in order to more fully understand the characteristics of the soil mercury content and its related health risks in the main areas of Dehui County, the pollution degrees were evaluated using the data of land accumulation indexes (Igeo), potential ecological risk indexes (Er), and health risk assessment methods. The mercury content (TSM) levels in the soil, along with the atmospheric mercury content (TGM) levels, were analyzed. The results showed that the mean value of the mercury content in the soil in Dehui County was 0.0481 ± 0.0866 mg/kg, and the concentration range was between 0.0055 and 0.8155mg/kg. It was found that the mercury content levels in 34% of the soil samples exceeded the background value of soil (0.040 mg/kg). There was no significant correlation between atmospheric mercury concentration at 0 cm and soil mercury content. This may be due to the obvious migration of surface soil and fugitive dust due to the scouring of urban streets by runoff, which affects the distribution of mercury in surface soil. In addition, the low population density of small towns, the small number of large centralized coal-fired boilers, the low height of exhaust funnel and the absence of mercury removal measures for tail gas lead to the multi-source dry and wet deposition of atmospheric mercury on the surface. The mercury content levels in the soil were found to vary from different directions, with the mercury content found to be the highest in the central and eastern section of the county. However, there were no significant differences in mercury content of any direction. Igeo showed that 24.0% of the sample points were polluted. The insanitary areas were mainly concentrated in the central and western sections of the county. The mercury content levels in the soil of Dehui County ranged from pollution-free to mild pollution levels overall. The Er indicated that the potential ecological risk level was high in the central and eastern sections of Dehui County. However, the soil mercury levels in Dehui County presented a low level of ecological risk overall. The average values of the non-carcinogenic risks (HQ) and the total non-carcinogenic risk assessment indexes (HI) in all directions within Dehui County were determined to be far less than 1. Therefore, it was concluded that the soil mercury levels were not potentially harmful to human health.
Synthesis, Characterization, Conductivity and Gas Sensing Performance of Copolymer Nanocomposites Based on Copper Alumina and Poly(aniline-co-pyrrole)
Authors: Sankar S , Ramesan M.T. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Poly (aniline-co-pyrrole) (PANI-co-PPy) with variable loadings of copper alumina (Cu-Al2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized by benign in-situ chemical oxidation polymerization. The structural, thermal transition and morphological interpretations were made with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). The electrical properties such as AC conductivity and dielectric measurements were performed at room temperature to verify their application in developing new electronic devices. The arrangement of nanoparticles in the copolymer and the synergistic interaction in the polymer matrix was deduced from FT-IR and XRD. HR-TEM indicates the nanosized uniform dispersion of filler in the copolymer. DSC revealed a reduction in the flexibility of polymer with an increase in glass transition temperature of copolymer composites. AC conductivity measurement manifested an increased hopping of charge carriers in nanocomposites when compared with pristine PANI-co-PPy. Dielectric properties were maximum for copolymer with 5wt.% Cu-Al2O3. The increase in dielectric properties of copolymer nanocomposites confirmed the efficient packing density of nanofiller within the polymer. Excellent gas sensing traits were observed for copolymer nanocomposites due to the electron transfers existing between PANI-co-PPy and ammonia gas. The magnificent material properties make (PANI-co-PPy)/Cu-Al2O3 nanocomposites, a promising contender for developing nano-electronic devices.
Climate actions could exacerbate carbon inequality
Authors: Ma Yubei , Hu Wuyang , Zhan Jintao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
While a range of climate actions have made remarkable contributions to reducing carbon emissions, the past decades have experienced a sharp increase in carbon inequality, particularly in developed countries. Through the difference-in-differences method we find that the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has relatively smaller impact on individuals with higher income, in other words, those having higher carbon footprints. After the implementation of the EU ETS, the per capita carbon footprint of the top 1% and 10% income groups has only decreased by 28.5% and 29.5%, respectively, while the reduction for the middle 40% and the bottom 50% income groups is 30.4% and 32.3%, respectively. It seems that the EU ETS further exacerbates carbon inequality. Our study implies that while meeting the goals of carbon reduction, for environment justice and social fairness, climate actions should be aware of the possibility of induced carbon inequality.
Dyslipidemia and its associated factors among Helicobacter Pylori-infected Patients Attending at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, North- West Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Worede Abebaw , Nigatie Marye , Melak Tadele , Asmelash Daniel 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Dyslipidemia refers to a lipid profile disturbance due to decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. H. pylori infection can lead to some appetite-related disorders and significant changes in body weight. For this reason, H. pylori infection may cause deregulated absorption of nutrients in the digestive system, contributing to changes in serum lipids. The purpose of this study is to assess dyslipidemia and its associated factors among Helicobacter Pylori infected patients attending at University of Gondar Comprehensive specialized hospital.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 231 H. pylori positive and control groups which were included by the convenience sampling technique from March to May 2021 at University of Gondar specialized hospital. Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristic data were collected using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. About 5ml of venous blood were used to determine the lipid profiles using DxC 700 AU chemistry auto analyzer (Beckman Coulter, USA). The data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the median of the continuous variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine the associated factors of dyslipidemia. P-value <0.05 is considered statistically significant.Results: The magnitude of dyslipidemia among Helicobacter pylori-infected patients was 71.8% (95% CI: 62.7-79.7). There was a statistically significant difference in lipid profiles between Helicobacter pylori-infected patients and control groups. The median (IQR) of lipid profiles in Helicobacter pylori-positive patients and control groups were for low-density lipoprotein: 108 (89.8, 145.5) vs 95 (79.45, 115.8, P<0.001), for triglycerides: 93 (65,117) vs 83 (58.5, 102, P=0.031), and cholesterol: 143 (119.5, 169,) vs 125 (110,143, P<0.001) mg/dl respectively. Helicobacter pylori infection (95%CI: 1.637-6.966), alcohol drinking (95%CI: 2.616-36.467), unable to read and write (95%CI: 1.384-14.077)), primary school (95%CI: 1.026-9.170), and secondary school (95%CI: 2.167-10.571) were a significant associated variables with dyslipidemia (P<0.05).Conclusion: There was a median lipid profile statistically significant difference between H. pylori positive and control groups. H. pylori infection, educational status, and alcohol drinking habit had statistically significant association of dyslipidemia.
Cost-effectiveness of Seven-days-per-week Rehabilitation Schedule for Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Morii Yasuhiro , Abiko Kagari , Osanai Toshiya , Takami Jiro , Tanikawa Takumi , Fujiwara Kensuke , Houkin Kiyohiro , Ogasawara Katsuhiko 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Rehabilitation is an essential medical service for patients who have suffered acute stroke. Although the effectiveness of seven-days-per-week rehabilitation schedule has been studied in comparison with five- or six-days-per-week rehabilitation schedule, its cost-effectiveness has not been analyzed. In this research, to help formulate more cost-effective medical treatments for acute stroke patients, we analyzed the cost-effectiveness of seven-days-per-week rehabilitation for acute stroke from public health payer’s perspective, and public healthcare and long-term care payerʼs perspective in Japan.Methods: Cost-effectiveness of seven-days-per-week rehabilitation for acute stroke patients was analyzed based on the result from a study using a Japanese database examining the efficacy of seven-days-per-week rehabilitation. Cost utility analysis was conducted by comparing seven-days-per-week rehabilitation with five- or six-days-per-week rehabilitation, with its main outcome incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) calculated by dividing estimated incremental medical and long-term care costs by incremental quality-adjusted life years. The incremental costs analyzed included medical costs and long-term care costs, estimated using the Japanese fee table and published sources. Analysis period was five years, and Markov modeling was used for the analysis. Results: The ICER was $10,901/ QALY from public health payer’s perspective, lower than 5,000,000 Yen/ QALY (approximately US$43,055), which was the threshold used for the cost-effectiveness evaluation in Japan. The 7-day-per-week rehabilitation was dominant from public healthcare and long-term care payerʼs perspective. The result of sensitivity analysis showed that even when the lowest efficacy of was assumed, the ICER was $39,065/QALY.Conclusion: The results indicated that seven-days-per-week rehabilitation for acute stroke rehabilitation was likely to be cost-effective, with a little uncertainty with uncertainty in patient outcome.
Evaluation of Antiplasmodial Activity in Silico and in Vitro of N-Acylhydrazone Derivatives
Authors: Oliveira Fernanda A. , Pinto Ana Claudia S. , Duarte Caique L. , Taranto Alex G. , Lorenzato Eder Júnior , Cordeiro Cleydson Finotti , Carvalho Diogo T. , Varotti Fernando P. , Fonseca Amanda L. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
N-acylhydrazones are considered privileged structures in medicinal chemistry, being part of antimicrobial compounds (for example). In this study we show the activity of N-acylhydrazone compounds, namely AH1, AH2, AH4, AH5 in in vitro tests against the chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum (W2) and against WI26 VA-4 human cell lines. All compounds showed low cytotoxicity (LC50 > 100 µM). The 5 compound was the most active against Plasmodium falciparum, with an IC50 value of 0.07 µM. 4 and 5 were selected among the tested compounds for molecular docking calculations to elucidate possible targets involved in their mechanism of action and the SwissADME analysis to predict their pharmacokinetic profile. The 5 compound showed affinity for 12 targets with low selectivity, while the 4 compound had greater affinity for only one target (3PHC). These compounds met Lipinski's standards in the ADME in silico tests, indicating good bioavailability results. These results demonstrate that these N-acylhydrazone compounds are good candidates for future preclinical studies against malaria.
Comparison of the results of Ex-PRESS ® surgery for primary open- angle glaucoma between high and low preoperative intraocular pressure
Authors: Katayama Noriko , Tojo Naoki , Otsuka Mitsuya , Hayashi Atsushi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To compare surgical outcomes of Ex-PRESS® (EXP) surgery for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) between low preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and high preoperative IOP.
Methods
This was a retrospective non-randomized study. Seventy-nine POAG patients who underwent EXP surgery and were followed for > 3 years were included. Patients with a preoperative IOP of ≦ 16 mmHg and > 16 mmHg with tolerant glaucoma medications were defined as the low IOP group and the high IOP group, respectively. We compared the surgical outcomes, postoperative IOP and number of glaucoma medications. Success was defined as a postoperative IOP of ≦ 15 mmHg and a reduction of > 20% from the preoperative IOP to the postoperative IOP.
Results
EXP surgeries significantly decreased IOPs from 13.2 ± 2.0 mmHg to 9.1 ± 2.9 mmHg in the low IOP group (p < 0.001), and from 22.5 ± 4.8 mmHg to 12.5 ± 4.0 mmHg in the high IOP group (p < 0.001). The mean postoperative IOP was significantly low in the low IOP group at 3 years (p = 0.0008). Success rates compared using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve were not significantly different (p = 0.449).
Conclusions
EXP surgery was useful for POAG patients with a low preoperative IOP.
Investigation on Prevalence of Canine Trypanosomiasis in the Conservation Areas of Bwindi- Mgahinga and Queen Elizabeth in Western Uganda
Authors: Ochieng James Robert , Bachs Marta Planellas , Nsubuga Anthony , Rwego Innocent B. , Kisakye John Joseph M. , Riba Laura Muro , Figueres Jesus Muro 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background Nowadays, despite the instauration of several control strategies, animal trypanosomiasis continues to be reported all over Uganda. Few canine African trypanosomiasis (CAT) studies have been carried out, yet dogs are known Trypanosoma reservoirs that share identical home ranges with livestock and serve as parasite link between livestock and humans. This study evaluates the prevalence of CAT in dogs using a molecular technique for the first time in the Bwindi-Mgahinga and Queen Elizabeth conservation areas. Moreover, this information will be useful to evaluate the possible role of dogs in transmission cycle of Trypanosoma species in livestock and wild animals.Materials and methodsGenElute Blood Genomic DNA kit was used to extract DNA from the blood samples collected from identified indigenous dogs (n = 66). This was followed by conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) designed with primers (ITS-CF and ITS-BR) targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region for efficient Trypanosoma species differentiation. Data were statistically analyzed to compare parasite species prevalence rates in relation to site and dog’s sex using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 package at a level of significance set at p = 0.05. Results Two (3.03%) out of 66 dogs were positive for CAT. One dog was positive with Trypanosoma congolense and the other T. vivax. There was no significant statistical difference in CAT prevalence rate in relation to dog’ sex (X2 = 0.379, df = 1, p = 0.54) and site (X2 = 1.031, df = 2, p = 0.60).ConclusionsThis study reports what we believe is the first-time detection of Trypanosoma congolense and T. vivax in the indigenous dogs found in the Bwindi-Mgahinga and Queen Elizabeth conservation areas in western Uganda. It also approves that cPCR is a potential diagnostic tool for CAT detection. The noticed T. congolense and T. vivax could be responsible for both canine and animal trypanosomiasis, and represents a serious threat to the livestock industry. Therefore, there is need for continuous trypanosomiasis surveillance and integrated management in contiguity to wildlife reserves.