bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Associations with Veteran Status 1999-2018: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhu Yanan , Ye Meijie , Zhang Yasi , Zhan Yiqiang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Importance: Diabetes, one of the major causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), has been reported to be more prevalent among U.S. veterans compared to the general population.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CKD stages in U.S. veterans and non-veterans, and to examine the association between veteran status and CKD using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.
Design, Setting, and Participants: A series of cross-sectional surveys were carried out between 1999 and 2018 on nationally representative samples of the U.S. population. All of these surveys were used to estimate the prevalence of CKD stages among 54,481 adults aged 20 years or older. Additionally, the associations between CKD and veterans were explored.
Main outcomes and measures: Cross-sectional surveys from 1999 to 2018 were conducted on nationally representative samples of the U.S. population (54,481 adults aged ≥20 years) to estimate CKD stage prevalence. Associations between CKD and veteran status were explored. CKD stages were defined using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin creatinine ratio (ACR): No CKD (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m², ACR <30 mg/g, no history of weak/failing kidneys); Stage G1-G3 (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m², ACR ≥30 mg/g or eGFR 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m²); Stage G4-G5 (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m² or received dialysis in the past 12 months).
Results: The prevalence of CKD stages G1-G3 and G4-G5 was consistently higher among veterans compared to non-veterans across all survey cycles (P < 0.01). After adjusting for age, race, diabetes, smoking, AIP, hypertension, and BMI, only two cycles (2005-2006 and 2013-2014) indicated significantly higher odds of having stages G1-G3 or G4-G5 for veterans compared to non-veterans (odds ratio: 1.64).
Conclusion and Relevance: The prevalence of CKD stages among U.S. veterans/non-veterans is substantially higher in U.S. veterans than non-veterans. No strong evidence was found to support that CKD was associated with veteran status.
Structural basis of a redox-dependent conformational switch that regulates the stress kinase p38α
Authors: Macias Maria , Pous Joan , Baginski Blazej , Martin-Malpartida Pau , Gonzalez Lorena , Scarpa Margherita , Aragon Eric , Ruiz Lidia , Mees Rebeca , Iglesias Javier , Orozco Modesto , Nebreda Angel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Many functional aspects of the protein kinase p38α have been illustrated by more than three hundred structures, covering free forms and complexes with activators, substrates and inhibitor compounds. All these structures reveal the p38α protein in reduced forms. Here we report an oxidized conformation showing an intramolecular disulfide bond between the Cys119 and Cys162, conserved in vertebrates, thereby maintaining the kinase in a previously undescribed dormant state. This oxidized state does not affect the conformation of the catalytic site, but alters the docking groove by unwinding and displacing the short αD helix caused by the movement of Cys119 towards Cys162. The transition between the oxidized and reduced conformations provides a mechanism for fine-tuning p38α activity as a function of redox conditions, beyond its activation loop phosphorylation. Moreover, the conformational equilibrium between these redox forms reveals an unexplored cleft for p38α inhibitor design, which we describe in detail.
Mechanism of deformation in metallic glasses: Is the concept of defects useful?
Authors: Lieou Charles , Egami Takeshi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
It is known that deformation in disordered materials such as metallic glasses and supercooled liquids occurs via the cooperative rearrangement of atoms or constituent particles at dynamical heterogeneities, commonly regarded as point-like defects. We show via molecular-dynamics simulations that there is no apparent relationship between atomic rearrangements and the local atomic environment as measured by the atomic-level stresses, kinetic and potential energies, and the per-atom Voronoi volume. In addition, there is only a weak correlation between atomic rearrangements and the largest and smallest eigenvalues of the dynamical matrix. Our results confirm the transient nature of dynamical heterogeneities and suggest that the notion of defects may be less relevant than that of a propensity for rearrangement.
Privatization in Mixed Duopoly with Quality Differentiation: Price versus Quantity Competition
Authors: Choi Kangsik , Lu Yuanzhu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the issue of privatization in a mixed duopoly with quality differentiation under Cournot and Bertrand competition. The public firm is assumed to produce a lower-quality product with lower production costs. We find that under both Bertrand and Cournot competition, privatization is socially desirable (undesirable) if the quality level of the private firm is sufficiently high (low). However, if the quality of the private firm is intermediate, Bertrand and Cournot competition yield opposite policy implications: privatization is desirable under Bertrand competition while undesirable under Cournot competition. Therefore, under Bertrand competition, privatization is more likely to be welfare-improving than under Cournot competition.
JEL Classification: D43, L13, M21.
Differences in Phenotypic Age Acceleration Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Adults in the USA
Authors: Sun Ming , Ma Zhaoyu , Zhang Yixin , Han Mengying , Jia Wenhan , Hu Daibao , Gong Xiaoyu , Jiang Xia , Wu Chenkai , Ma YaNan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Health disparities have been reported between sexual minority and heterosexual populations, but no study investigated Phenotypic Age Acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) among sexual minority. To investigate differences in PhenoAgeAccel between sexual minority and heterosexual adults. In this cross-sectional study, 3061 participants from 2007–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) included adults aged 20 to 59 years who self-identified as being heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual or others. The main outcome was PhenoAgeAccel predicted using nine routine clinical chemical biomarkers and chronological age. The sex-stratified linear regression model was used to examine the differences of PhenoAgeAccel and its nine biomarkers between sexual minorities and heterosexuality. The current study included 3061 participants consisting of 1518 (49.59%) males and 1543 (50.41%) females. Lesbian (β: -1.37, 95% CI: -2.46 to -0.27) and gay (β: -2.71, 95% CI: -4.13 to -1.29) were found to have the slowest PhenoAgeAccel compared with the heterosexual females. Bisexual males (β: -0.45, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.18), lesbians (β: -0.49, 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.23) and bisexual (β: -0.41, 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.14) females were found to have a lower level of glucose. Gays (β: -0.14 95% CI: -0.25 to -0.03) and bisexual males (β: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.03) showed a lower level of c-reactive protein. The study for the first time suggested that gay and lesbian adults had the slower PhenoAgeAccel as compared to heterosexual adults.
Design of the Monopulse Feeding Network of a Slotted Waveguide Array on an Annular Disk
Authors: Wang Zongxin , Wang Yulan , Zhu Shengchi , Chen Peng 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Design of a monopulse feeding network including a compact power distribution network and a monopulse comparator for a dual polarization slotted waveguide array fabricated on an annular disk is presented in this paper. Design details of some key waveguide components, such as compact assembly of H-plane T-junctions and E-plane elbows used to connect power distribution networks and radiation waveguides are provided. Quasi-planar magic tees are designed and used to construct the compact sum and difference comparator. The antenna system contains two comparators, which are used to generate sum and difference beams for horizontal polarization and vertical polarization, respectively. Finally, the monopulse slotted waveguide array antenna is divided into two modules, a comparator module and an antenna module (including power distribution network), and fabricated with layered processing and bonding process. The comparator module is measured using network analyzer to verify its amplitude-frequency characteristics and phase-frequency characteristics. Screwing the comparator module and antenna module together, a monopulse slotted waveguide array antenna is obtained, and the sum beam and difference beam characteristics of the antenna are measured in microwave chamber and presented.
Evaluating Seasonal Rainfall Forecast Gridded Models over Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Atiah Winifred Ayinpogbilla , Bendito Eduardo Garcia , Muthoni Francis Kamau 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The agricultural industry in Africa has recently been impacted by rainfall variability and long-term changes in amount and distribution. Reliable rainfall forecasts on a daily timescale are vital for in-season decision-making. This study evaluated the relative prediction abilities of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF-S5) and the NOAA Climate Prediction System (CFS) gridded rainfall models across Africa and three sub-regions from2012–2022. The results indicate that the performance of both models declines with increasing lead times and improves with aggregated or coarser temporal resolutions. Besides, the ECMWF-S5 data represents observed daily rainfall better than the CFS data at all lead times, particularly in West Africa. On dekadal timescales, ECMWF-S5 outperformed CFS in all sub-regions, confirming its superiority. Both models are great at capturing rainfall at low elevations than at high elevations. CFS tends to overestimate low- and high-intensity rainfall events, while the ECMWF-S5slightly underestimates low-intensity rainfall events and accurately captures high-intensity events over Africa. Overall, the accuracy of these models in forecasting rainfall patterns in Africa varies according to the lead time, region, intensity of rainfall, and elevation. As a result, it is vital to use effective bias-correction approaches on these models to increase their accuracy and dependability for use in several sectors. This study emphasized the potential and shortcomings of the CFS and ECMWF-S5 models for climate impact studies, particularly in West Africa and regions with low elevations.
Integrative transcriptomic and HPTL-ESI-MS analysis reveals a strong coordination between genes and pathways contributing to high erucic triacylglycerol biosynthesis during Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) seed maturation
Authors: Claver Ana , Luján María Ángeles , Escuín José Manuel , Savirón María , López María Victoria , Picorel Rafael , Jarne Carmen , Cebolla Vicente , Alfonso Miguel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Thlaspi arvense (Pennycress) is an emerging feedstock for biofuel production because of its high seed-oil content enriched in erucic acid (35-40% of total fatty acids). A transcriptomic analysis together with an HPTLC-ESI-MS and MSn positional analysis characterization of the TAG fractions in five different seed maturation stages was performed to study the high erucic seed-oil biosynthesis in Pennycress. The RNA-Seq data showed a temporal pattern of regulation in which genes involved in the synthesis of carbon precursors and fatty acids were highly abundant at the earlier stages of maturation, then decreasing in the mature ones. Genes involved in TAG biosynthesis showed a complex temporal regulation in which DGAT2 and PDAT1 showed higher expression at the earlier stages of maturation, coincident with the rapid incorporation of 22:1 to TAG. Genes from the acyl-editing pathway showed higher expression at the earlier stages of seed maturation, suggesting a major role of this pathway at the initial stages of seed-oil biosynthesis. HPTLC-ESI-MS analysis showed an increase of TAG species containing VLCFAs (22:1 and 24:1) with 18:2 at sn-2 position with seed maturation. This increase was concomitant with an increase of DGAT1 and PDAT2 mRNA levels, suggesting a higher Kennedy pathway activity. However, the concerted regulation between DGAT and PDAT enzymes suggested a coordination between pathways, isoforms and substrate pools for the synthesis of high erucic TAG in Pennycress.
Demographic Transition and Pension in an Endogenous Growth Model
Authors: Accolley Delali 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The first phase of the enhancement of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which consists in raising gradually its contribution rate, took place between 2019 and 2023 in a context of low real interest rate and aging population. We have modeled within a dynamic general equilibrium setting the various pillars of the Canadian retirement income system, human capital accumulation through education, and two-sided altruism as a motive for intergenerational transfers. Then, we have investigated the impact on the real interest rate of the improvement in life expectancy and the first impacts of the enhancement of the CPP against alternative taxation aiming at raising retirement income.
Intergenerational altruism and capital income tax rate turn out to be important determinants of the real interest rate that related studies neglected. We have also found that when biological life expectancy increases by one percent, the endogenous accumulation of human capital prevents the real interest rate from falling by one-third of percentage point \textit{per annum}. It further emerges that enhancing the CPP through an increase in either the contribution rate or the maximum amount of earnings covered crowds out private savings. Cutting the capital income tax to foster saving for retirement exacerbates the decline in the real interest rate caused by the improvement in life expectancy.
COVID-19 transmission in dental practice: risks and prevention – narrative review
Authors: Ostrovskyi Pavlo , Smirnova Valentyna , Boitsaniuk Svitlana , Kochan Orest , Levkiv Mariana 
Published: August 2023

Dentists are on the frontline of infection, especially regarding respiratory viruses like the new coronavirus. The production of aerosols and droplets accompanies many dental procedures. The emergence of severe acute air-droplet disease, respiratory syndrome, or SARS, warrants a revision of the infection control procedures for aerosols.
The aim. In this article, we aim to raise awareness of the potential risks of COVID-19 transmission in dental practice and discuss and suggest some preventive measures.
Methods. This study reviewed the published research articles and the guidelines of international healthcare institutions on dentistry and COVID-19. We searched Pubmed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS electronic databases using MESH terms.
Results. The main way of transmission of the SARS CoV is air-droplet. Thus, healthcare professionals that perform aerosol-generating procedures, i.e. dentists, need to be updated about the origin of the disease. The patient and the dentist often share close contact while ongoing dental treatment; thus, knowledge about the disease and necessary preventive measures is required. In addition to the standard precautions, some special preventive measures that should be implemented during an outbreak of disease have been raised in this review.
Conclusions. Following the protective protocols in the COVID-19 crisis is of utmost importance in a dental setting
To study the correlation between severe oligohydramnios with perinatal outcome along with histopathology of placenta
Authors: Nirmala Peripydi , Swarupa Kuthadi , Kurakul Kavitha 
Published: August 2023

The aim: To study the correlation between severe oligohydramnios with perinatal outcome and the placenta's histopathology.
Materials and methods: comprised of 100 patients with oligohydramnios diagnosed after 28 weeks of gestation, admitted on an emergency basis, both booked / unbooked, who were willing to cooperate, were chosen. All patients with oligohydramnios (AFI<5 %) were included in the study.
Results: 3 cases came with intra-uterine death. All three were totally unbooked cases. 2 preterm babies died neonatal intensive care unit after 4 days due to meconium aspiration syndrome. Thus the perinatal mortality was 5 %. 44 % of neonates required admission into the neonatal intensive care unit. In our study, it was found that neonatal mortality and morbidity increased significantly when oligohydramnios was associated with complications like IUGR and pregnancy-induced hypertension in mothers. All the cases associated with these histopathological changes had adverse perinatal outcomes. Hence estimation of the amount of liquor is important in the antenatal period because oligohydramnios gives insight into the associated maternal complications or fetal anomalies and has a significant bearing on the perinatal outcome. The placental examination will illuminate all the conditions affecting the perinatal outcome. Without associated complications, oligohydramnios does not have adverse perinatal outcomes.
Conclusions: Thus, in cases of oligohydramnios with no associated complications, expectant management can be tried for a better fetal outcome. Only oligohydramnios may be the first sign of placental insufficiency and an independent manifestation of the placental-related complications spectrum.
A clinicoepidemiological study of geriatric dermatoses
Authors: Eslavat Shalini , Vemu Deepthi , Kunti Shankar , Naik NM Prasad , Ramadas Kuna 
Published: August 2023

Skin diseases are a common and inevitable consequence of ageing. Moreover, the clinical presentation is not as classical as they do in the younger population. A lifetime of solar exposure, along with intrinsic changes in the dermal structures, predisposes to a variety of skin diseases.
The aim: to study the spectrum of various geriatric dermatoses among our patient population at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences and Research Centre.
Materials and methods: in this study, a total of 200 patients aged 60 years and above attending the DVL OPD of Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences and Research Centre were included.
Results: maximum number of patients in this study belonged to 60-65 years (60 %), Male to female ratio was 1.86:1. Most of the males had agriculture work, and most of the females were housewives. Diabetes mellitus was the commonest associated systemic disease seen in 68 cases (34 %), and generalised pruritus was the commonest symptom seen in 64 (32 %) cases, of which 42 cases (65.6 %) were associated with xerosis. Pathological skin disorders and eczematous conditions were seen in 56 out of 200 cases. Of this, asteatotic eczema was the common finding among the eczematous conditions seen in 14 cases (7 %). Psoriasis was seen in 32 (16 %) and lichen planus in 10 cases (5 %). Infectious diseases were seen in 78 cases (39 %). Of these, fungal infections were common, seen in 28 cases (14 %). The benign tumour was seborrheic keratosis in this study, seen in 61 cases (30.5 %); among the malignant tumours, 4 cases (2 %) of basal cell carcinoma and 2 cases (1 %) of squamous cell carcinoma were seen. Among 16 cases of bullous disorders, bullous pemphigoid was seen in 12 (6 %) cases. Among 22 cases of psychocutaneous disorders, delusional parasitosis was seen in 10 cases (5 %), and perforating folliculitis in 15 cases (7.5 %). Loss of luster was the commonest nail change seen in 182 cases (91 %), followed by nail plate thickening in 54 cases (27 %). Greying of the hair was seen in all cases. Out of 70 females, diffuse hair loss was seen in 58 cases (82.9 %), and out of 130 males, androgenetic alopecia was seen in 72 cases (55.4 %).
Conclusion: skin diseases cause considerable morbidity in the elderly, particularly if associated with other comorbid conditions. Health education on proper skin care, avoidance of irritants and self-medication etc., would help to reduce the incidence of common dermatoses.
Molecular Docking-based Screening of Natural Heterocyclic Compounds as a Potential Drug for COVID-19
Authors: Sony A.S. , Suresh Xavier 
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
The coronavirus pandemic poses significant challenges for the pharmaceutical industry.

Methods:
Coronavirus enters host cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors (ACE2).
The SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein is a potential target for medicinal chemists in the development of specific drugs. The current study investigates molecular modeling studies to identify potential drug candidates. Molecular docking simulations were run on 11 natural heterocyclic compounds/flavonoids.

Results:
When tested against the viral spike protein receptor, isoquercetin had a docking binding energy of -6.74kcal/mol (PDBID:6LU7).

Conclusion:
A docking study revealed the interaction of the receptor-binding domain with various flavonoid compounds.
Novel Microbial Signatures in the Faecal Microbiome Associated with Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis: Bacteroides Finegoldii and Veillonella Dispar
Authors: Hasan Rizwana , Kumar Ashish , Bose Sudeep , Roy Rahul , Arora Anil , Sharma Praveen , Nagumantri Sai Pawan , Paul Debarati , Choudhury Sangeeta 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Alcoholic hepatitis is associated with dysbiosis, resulting in compositional changes in the gut microbiome, endotoxin transfer to the portal vein, and activation of inflammatory signalling pathways in the liver. However, the microbiome signature of severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) patients of Indian origin is unknown.

Aim:
To investigate the microbiome diversity of Indian AH patients in comparison to non-alcoholic healthy controls (HC).

Methods:
16S rRNA amplicon-based metagenomics analysis of faecal samples at the time of AH diagnosis (n=12) was compared with HC (n=6), and correlation with survival status, co-occurrence networking, Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe), and the relationship between diet – microbiome were performed.

Results:
16S rDNA data showed a significant abundance of the Enterobacteriaceae family belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria and a depletion of the phylum Firmicutes in AH. A species-level classification identified Klebsiella pneumonia, Klebsiella variicola, and Parabacteroides distasonis as having the highest predictive performance value with reference to mortality at 60 days. Apart from this, a unique finding was the abundance of Bacteroides finegoldii and Veillonella dispar in AH patients. Moreover, the co-occurrence networking analysis revealed a higher level of connectivity and complexity within the microbial community of AH patients compared to HC. Thus, indicating the significant positive association (Spearman r > 0.7, p < 0.01) among members of the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria phyla in AH. Wilcoxon-Rank Sum test (p < 0.01) identified Firmicutes phyla occurrence associated with high carbohydrate intake and Actinobacteria phyla with low protein intake.

Conclusion:
The findings provide the baseline occurrence profile of the gut microbiome signature of liver damage and the diet-microbiome relationship in patients with severe AH. The study demonstrated an abundance of Proteobacteria phyla, indicating their role in inflammatory conditions, and further identified Bacteroides finegoldii and Veillonella dispar in severe AH patients. Additionally, Klebsiella pneumonia, Klebsiella variicola, and Parabacteroides distasonis were identified as mortality-predictive risk biomarkers.