bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dose-Response Relationships Between Gonadal Steroids and Bone, Body Composition, and Sexual Function in Aging Men
Authors: Finkelstein Joel S , Lee Hang , Burnett-Bowie Sherri-Ann M , Darakananda Karin , Gentile Emily C , Goldstein David W , Prizand Sarah H , Krivicich Laura M , Taylor Alexander P , Wulczyn Kendra E , Leder Benjamin Z , Yu Elaine W 
Published: June 2020

AbstractContextMost labs set the lower limit of normal for testosterone at the 2.5th percentile of values in young or age-matched men, an approach that does not consider the physiologic changes associated with various testosterone concentrations.ObjectiveTo characterize the dose-response relationships between gonadal steroid concentrations and measures regulated by gonadal steroids in older men.Design, Participants, and Intervention177 men aged 60 to 80 were randomly assigned to receive goserelin acetate plus either 0 (placebo), 1.25, 2.5, 5, or 10 grams of a 1% testosterone gel daily for 16 weeks or placebos for both medications (controls).Primary OutcomesChanges in serum C-telopeptide (CTX), total body fat by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and self-reported sexual desire.ResultsClear relationships between the testosterone dosage (or the resulting testosterone levels) and a variety of outcome measures were observed. Changes in serum CTX exceeded changes in the controls in men whose testosterone levels were 0 to 99, 100 to 199, 200 to 299, or 300 to 499 ng/dL, whereas increases in total body fat, subcutaneous fat, and thigh fat exceeded controls when testosterone levels were 0 to 99 or 100 to 199 ng/dL. Sexual desire and erectile function were indistinguishable from controls until testosterone levels were &lt;100 ng/dL.ConclusionChanges in measures of bone resorption, body fat, and sexual function begin at a variety of testosterone concentrations with many outcome measures remaining stable until testosterone levels are well below the stated normal ranges. In light of this variation, novel approaches for establishing the normal range for testosterone are needed.
Associations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) With Glucose Tolerance During Pregnancy in Project Viva
Authors: Preston Emma V , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L , Hivert Marie-France , Zota Ami R , Sagiv Sharon K , Calafat Antonia M , Oken Emily , James-Todd Tamarra 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Context
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure may alter glucose homeostasis. Research on PFAS exposure and glucose tolerance during pregnancy is limited.

Objective
The objective of this work is to estimate associations between first-trimester plasma PFAS concentrations and glucose tolerance assessed in late second pregnancy trimester.

Design, Setting, Participants, and Main Outcome Measures
Pregnant women (n = 1540) enrolled in Project Viva in 1999 to 2002 provided first-trimester plasma samples analyzed for 8 PFAS. At approximately 28 weeks’ gestation, women completed 1-hour nonfasting, 50-g oral glucose challenge tests (GCTs); if abnormal, women completed subsequent 3-hour oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) to screen for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We assessed both continuous GCT glucose levels and 4 categories of glucose tolerance (normal glycemia [reference], isolated hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, GDM). We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate associations of PFAS with glucose tolerance categories. We used multivariable linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess individual and joint effects of PFAS on continuous GCT glucose levels, respectively. We evaluated effect modification by maternal age and race/ethnicity.

Results
PFAS were not associated with glucose tolerance categories. In BKMR analyses, we observed a positive association between ln-perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and glucose levels (Δ25th to 75th percentile: 6.2 mg/dL, 95% CI, 1.1-11.3) and an inverse-U shaped association between 2-(N-perfluorooctane sulfonamide) acetate and glucose levels. Individual linear regression results were similar. We found suggestive evidence that associations varied by age and racial/ethnic group.

Conclusion
Certain PFAS may alter glucose homeostasis during pregnancy, but may not be associated with overt GDM.
Heterozygous Deletions in MKRN3 Cause Central Precocious Puberty Without Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: Meader Brooke N , Albano Alessandro , Sekizkardes Hilal , Delaney Angela 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Context
Loss-of-function mutations in the imprinted genes MKRN3 and DLK1 cause central precocious puberty (CPP) but whole gene deletions have not been reported. Larger deletions of the chromosome 15q11-13 imprinted locus, including MKRN3, cause Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). CPP has been reported in PWS but is not common, and the role of MKRN3 in PWS has not been fully elucidated.

Objective
To identify copy number variants in puberty-related, imprinted genes to determine their role in CPP.

Methods
Probands with idiopathic CPP had chromosomal microarray (CMA) and targeted deletion/duplication testing for MKRN3 and DLK1.

Results
Sixteen female probands without MKRN3 or DLK1 variants identified by Sanger sequencing were studied. Whole gene deletions of MKRN3 were identified in 2 subjects (13%): a complete deletion of MKRN3 in Patient A (pubertal onset at 7 years) and a larger deletion involving MAGEL2, MKRN3, and NDN in Patient B (pubertal onset 5.5 years). Both were paternally inherited. Patient B had no typical features of PWS, other than obesity, which was also present in her unaffected family.

Conclusions
We identified 2 cases of whole gene deletions of MKRN3 causing isolated CPP without PWS. This is the first report of complete deletions of MKRN3 in patients with CPP, emphasizing the importance of including copy number variant analysis for MKRN3 mutation testing when a genetic diagnosis is suspected. We speculate that there is a critical region of the PWS locus beyond MKRN3, MAGEL2, and NDN that is responsible for the PWS phenotype.
Cardiac and Pulmonary Disorders and the Nervous System
Authors: Weathered Natalie R. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This article reviews the neurologic complications encountered with cardiac and pulmonary disorders, specifically focusing on endocarditis, cardiac arrest, heart failure, hypercapnia, hypoxia, and cystic fibrosis. As neurologic dysfunction is one of the most frequent complications of these diseases and may even be the presenting symptom, it is important to be familiar with these complications to foster early recognition and intervention.

RECENT FINDINGS
Advances have been made in the identification of which patients can safely undergo valvular surgery for treatment of infective endocarditis in the setting of stroke, which, ideally, will minimize the risk of recurrent stroke in these patients. Additionally, technologic advances are improving our ability to use a multimodal approach for prognostication after cardiac arrest.

SUMMARY
The neurologic complications from the described disorders range from cerebrovascular complications to encephalitis, cognitive impairment, sleep-disordered breathing, headache, and increased intracranial pressure leading to coma or even death. Given the severity of these symptoms, it is paramount that neurologists be closely involved in the care of patients with neurologic complications from cardiac and pulmonary disorders.
Obstetric and Gynecologic Disorders and the Nervous System
Authors: O’Neal Mary Angela 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This article highlights the multiple intersections between obstetric/gynecologic issues and neurologic disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS
Neurologic issues can arise related to contraceptive medications, infertility treatments, pregnancy, and menopause. This article explores these areas in chronologic order, beginning with women’s neurologic conditions that overlap their reproductive years and those that may occur during pregnancy and continuing through menopause. For each disorder, the epidemiology, pathophysiology, complications, and best sex-based treatment are described. Recent findings and treatments are highlighted.

SUMMARY
Obstetric and gynecologic disorders may present with neurologic symptoms, so it is important for neurologists to understand these intersections to deliver the best care for our female patients.
Gastrointestinal Disorders and the Nervous System
Authors: White Halina 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This article describes the neurologic sequelae of various nutritional micronutrient deficiencies, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease. Where relevant, appropriate treatments for these conditions are also discussed. The developing field of the microbiome and nervous system interaction is also outlined.

RECENT FINDINGS
Pathology in the gastrointestinal system can affect the nervous system when it causes micronutrient deficiency, when immune responses created by the gastrointestinal system affect the nervous system, when toxins caused by gastrointestinal organ failure harm the nervous system, and when treatments aimed at a gastrointestinal medical condition cause damage to the nervous system as a side effect.

SUMMARY
This article addresses familiar concepts and new developments in the treatment and understanding of diseases that affect the gut and nervous system simultaneously.
React or Be Killed
Authors: Santos Andreia Beatriz Silva dos , Nascimento-Mandingo Fábio , Chazkel Amy 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This conversation places a historian from the Brazilian political organization Reaja ou Será Morto / Reaja ou Será Morta (React or Be Killed) in dialogue with other members of that group to reflect on how the study of history on the one hand and the struggle against racist police brutality and the possibility of creating a world without such violence on the other might inform each other. The interlocutors explore historical continuities in policing Black communities, and in what they have identified as genocidal violence against Black Brazilians, as well as in anti-Black racist notions of public safety that have become imbricated in the way the state functions. With their Pan-Africanist community school, Escola Winnie Mandela, with their militant commitment to autonomy, and in the face of persistent neglect by the state, members of Reaja suggest that theirs is already a world without police.
Comparison of Likert and PI-RADS version 2 MRI scoring systems for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer
Authors: Zawaideh Jeries P , Sala Evis , Pantelidou Maria , Shaida Nadeem , Koo Brendan , Caglic Iztok , Warren Anne Y , Carmisciano Luca , Saeb-Parsy Kasra , Gnanapragasam Vincent J , Kastner Christof , Barrett Tristan 
Published: June 2020

Objective:
To compare the performance of Likert and Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) multiparametric (mp) MRI scoring systems for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa).

Methods:
199 biopsy-naïve males undergoing prostate mpMRI were prospectively scored with Likert and PI-RADS systems by four experienced radiologists. A binary cut-off (threshold score ≥3) was used to analyze histological results by three groups: negative, insignificant disease (Gleason 3 + 3; iPCa), and csPCa (Gleason ≥3 +4). Lesion-level results and prostate zonal location were also compared.

Results:
129/199 (64.8%) males underwent biopsy, 96 with Likert or PI-RADS score ≥3, and 21 with negative MRI. A further 12 patients were biopsied during follow-up (mean 507 days). Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 87/199 (43.7%) patients, 65 with (33.6%) csPCa. 30/92 (32.6%) patients with negative MRI were biopsied, with an NPV of 83.3% for cancer and 86.7% for csPCa. Likert and PI-RADS score differences were observed in 92 patients (46.2%), but only for 16 patients (8%) at threshold score ≥3. Likert scoring had higher specificity than PI-RADS (0.77 vs 0.66), higher area under the curve (0.92 vs 0.87, p = 0.002) and higher PPV (0.66 vs 0.58); NPV and sensitivity were the same. Likert had more five score results (58%) compared to PI-RADS (36%), but with similar csCPa detection (81.0 and 80.6% respectively). Likert demonstrated lower proportion of false positive in the predominately AFMS-involving lesions.

Conclusion:
Likert and PI-RADS systems both demonstrate high cancer detection rates. Likert scoring had a higher AUC with moderately higher specificity and lower positive call rate and could potentially help to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies performed.

Advances in knowledge:
This paper illustrates that the Likert scoring system has potential to help urologists reduce the number of prostate biopsies performed.
Measurements of the nonlinear refractive index of AgGaSe2, GaSe, and ZnSe at 10  µm
Authors: Pigeon J. J. , Matteo D. A. , Tochitsky S. Ya. , Ben-Zvi I. , Joshi C. 
Published: June 2020

We measure the four-wave mixing efficiency of dual-frequency, 300 ns,
10 µm

C
O

2

laser pulses to determine the
effective nonlinear refractive index of the quadratic nonlinear
crystals GaSe,

A
g
G
a
S
e

2

, and ZnSe relative to GaAs. The
effective nonlinear refractive index of GaSe and

A
g
G
a
S
e

2

does not depend on the phase-matching
conditions for second-harmonic and sum-frequency generation. This
suggests that these measurements are representative of the intrinsic
Kerr index and usable for infrared applications.
Aprendizaje basado en simulación con realidad virtual
Authors: Mariscal Gonzalo , Jiménez Eva , Vivas-Urias María Dolores , Redondo-Duarte Sara , Moreno-Pérez Sonia 
Published: June 2020

El uso de realidad virtual (VR) y realidad aumentada (AR) para la mejora del aprendizaje es un tema de actualidad en la Educación Superior. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el impacto de la simulación con realidad virtual (del inglés, VR-SBL) en el aprendizaje y satisfacción del estudiante. Para ello, se presentan dos casos llevados a cabo en la Universidad Europea de Madrid (UEM): el primero consiste en una experiencia de formación en primeros auxilios ante una emergencia de tráfico mediante el uso de tecnología de realidad virtual inmersiva, donde se ha comparado cómo aprenden los estudiantes con esta nueva metodología respecto a la clase magistral tradicional. El segundo caso consiste en la simulación de accidentes en un laboratorio mediante el uso de tecnología de realidad virtual de escritorio, donde se ha comparado cómo aprenden los estudiantes con esta metodología respecto a una simulación de dichos accidentes en el laboratorio real. En ambos casos se ha utilizado un diseño cuasi-experimental con un grupo experimental y un grupo de control. Además, se ha aplicado un diseño pretest-postest, que consiste en la realización de un test de conocimientos previo a la experiencia (pretest) y un cuestionario de conocimientos posterior a la misma (postest). Para medir la satisfacción con la actividad y la adecuación de las herramientas empleadas se ha utilizado un cuestionario de experiencia de usuario. Como conclusión, la satisfacción de los estudiantes en los dos casos denota una valoración alta. Además, en el primer caso, el grupo experimental que utiliza la realidad virtual inmersiva mejora significativamente el rendimiento académico. En cuanto al segundo caso, no se han encontrado diferencias significativas en cuanto al aprendizaje, por lo tanto, el nivel de aprendizaje en ambos grupos (simulación con realidad virtual y simulación en escenario real) es el mismo.
Barriers to the Adoption of Sustainable Construction
Authors: Chigozie Osuizugbo Innocent , Oyeyipo Opeyemi , Lahanmi Ayodele , Morakinyo Adesoye , Olaniyi Olusola 
Published: June 2020

Studies have shown that adoption of sustainable construction practice would result in a substantial reduction in the greenhouse emissions from the construction industry. Evolving a sustainable development practice is an emergent concern for the construction industry in both developing and developed countries. Sustainable construction is concerned with site planning and design, community, indoor air quality, energy, materials, water, commissioning and marketability for the benefit of mankind. This requires enormous efforts from all the stakeholders in the industry. Sustainable construction efforts in the Nigerian construction industry have been ineffective as a result of a number of barriers that prevent a smooth transition to sustainable construction practice in the country. The aim of this study is to assess the potential barriers that hinder effective adoption of sustainable construction practice in the Nigerian Construction Industry, with a view to exploring how these barriers can be overcome and thereby achieving sustainable construction in the country. A cross-sectional questionnaire was adopted for the survey. Purposive sampling technique was used to elicit 105 copies of questionnaires from various construction professionals based in Lagos state, Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, relative importance index and ranking. The results revealed that key barriers to sustainable construction in the Nigerian Construction Industry are poor government support for sustainable construction, lack of relevant laws and regulations to drive sustainable construction, lack of demand for sustainable construction from clients, low level of awareness of sustainable construction and fear of the cost of adopting sustainable construction. Based on the findings from this study, it was recommended that government should assume a greater role in the popularisation and application of sustainable strategy. The barriers identified and the suggestions made to minimize barriers to the adoption of sustainable construction in Nigeria should offer an enabling environment for stakeholders in construction sector to smoothly adopt sustainable construction for the benefit of humanity. Keywords: adoption, barriers, construction industry, Nigeria, sustainable construction
REDD+: An Analysis of Initiatives in East Africa Amidst Increasing Deforestation
Authors: Bamwesigye Dastan , Doli Azdren , Hlavackova Petra 
Published: June 2020

The study reviewed and examined reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) in East Africa. At the helm of Deforestation at its biting implication by the early 2000s, REDD+ was first suggested as a prospective climate change moderation arrangement in 2005 at the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNCCC) at the CoP11 in Canada. The basic idea herein was to reduce the increasing loss of forests due to deforestation as well as mitigate climate change as signs were vivid at the time. REDD+ would introduce initiatives to sustain carbon distribution, biodiversity, and stakeholder livelihoods. Developed countries lead in the support of these efforts. Using Literature review and content analysis approaches, the study investigates REDD+ projects in East Africa; Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. A considerable level of work has been done as per the findings. However, a lot needs to be put in place since East Africa solely depends on wood biomass for household fuel which is a major cause of deforestation and forest degradation. Keywords: afforestation, alternatives, climate change, deforestation, East Africa, emission control, re-afforestation, REED+, wood fuel
Sustainability of United Nations Recruitment: An Empirical Analysis of Recent Vacancy Advertisements of United Nations Specialized Agencies
Authors: Liu Suyu 
Published: June 2020

This paper examines the sustainability of recruitment in the United Nations (UN), the largest global inter-governmental organization working on sustainable development. It investigates the sustainability of UN recruitment on three main dimensions: remuneration and job stability; meritocracy and fairness; cost and efficiency, with the data from recent vacancy advertisements of two UN specialized agencies. The analytical results suggest that being different from the existing knowledge of UN recruitment, the job stability in UN as shown by the data is higher due to the large proportion of staff vacancies and long-term job contracts. The remunerations to UN job incumbents are high, not only because of the widely-known attractive packages which are provided referring to the highest remuneration levels of national civil service, but also due to the subsidies of working in hardship places. Also, it is found that UN specialized agencies have developed detailed competency frameworks for recruitment to ensure the meritocracy. However, due to the essential monitoring procedures, UN recruitment is often lengthy and costly. Therefore, in the dilemma of meritocracy, fairness, and efficiency in recruitment, efficiency is not highly emphasized in UN recruitment practice, in comparison with meritocracy and fairness. Practical recommendations for improving sustainability of UN recruitment are provided, but more evidence and implications are to be provided by future research.
Key Words: United Nations; Recruitment; Sustainability; Meritocracy; Efficiency
Legal Regulation of Waste Management in Ukraine on the Way to European Integration
Authors: Kidalov Serhii , Vitiv Vitaliy , Golovko Liudmyla , Ladychenko Viktor 
Published: June 2020

The article is devoted to the research of problems of adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the norms of EU law. The environmental well-being of the population depends on the legal regulation of waste management and the role of government agencies in controlling these activities. Particular attention in this scholarly work is paid to the overriding objective of learning from the experience of the EU member states by creating a qualitative mechanism and achieving the main result – improvement of national legislation by implementing European standards in the sphere of waste management. Keywords: EU waste policy, EU law, waste management, municipal waste, adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to EU law
The Phenomenon of Political Power in Ukraine
Authors: Bereziuk Sergiy , Pronko Lyudmila , Samborska Oksana 
Published: June 2020

Political power is the integral part of constituent of development and stability of society, that is why her efficiency are one of main tasks of domestic politics. Success of the state depends in the international political arena, first of all, from experience and professionalism of own political management. Studies of scientists from the marked theme full have not fully covered the of problems, it is today necessary to work out the own effective model of politics, that would connect success and experience of international association, Ukrainian history, traditions and customs. Main reason of the crisis phenomena in Ukrainian society see in absence of clear strategy of development and absence of professional competenses of politicians, in relation to state creation. The purpose of the study is to find out the essence of political power and influence on the effectiveness of state-building, substantiation of directions of increasing the effectiveness of political power in Ukraine on the basis of political intelligence. Keywords: state, politics, development, post-soviet countries, reform, president