bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil water solutes reduce the critical micelle concentration of quaternary ammonium compounds
Authors: Mulder Ines , Schmittdiel Malte , Frei Henning , Hofmann Laura , Gerbig Dennis , Siemens Jan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractQuaternary alkyl ammonium compounds (QAACs) are produced in large quantities for use as surfactants and disinfectants and also found in soils, sediments, and surface waters, where they are potentially involved in the selection of antibiotic resistance genes. Micelle formation influences fate and effects of QAACs. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of six homologs of benzylalkylammonium chlorides (BAC) was determined in deionized water, 0.01 M CaCl2 solution, and aqueous soil extracts, using both spectrofluorometric and tensiometric methods. Additionally, eight organic model compounds were employed at concentrations of 15 mg C L−1 as background solutes in order to test the effect of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on CMCs. Results found CMCs decreased with an increasing length of the alkyl chain from 188 mM for BAC-C8 to 0.1 mM for BAC-C18. Both methods yielded similar results for measurements in water and CaCl2 solution; however, the spectrofluorescence method did not work for soil extracts due to fluorescence quenching phenomena. In soil extracts, CMCs of BAC-C12 were reduced below 3.7 mM, while the CMC reduction in soil extracts was less pronounced for BAC-C16. Besides ionic strength, molecular structures of BACs and dissolved organic compounds also affected the CMC. The number of carboxyl groups and small molecular weights of the DOC model compounds reduced the CMCs of BAC-C12 and BAC-C16 at pH 6. This study highlights that CMCs can be surpassed in soil solution, pore waters of sediments, or other natural waters even at (small) concentrations of QAACs typically found in the environment.
N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP): a possible surrogate of biological age in the elderly people
Authors: Muscari Antonio , Bianchi Giampaolo , Forti Paola , Magalotti Donatella , Pandolfi Paolo , Zoli Marco ,   The Pianoro Study Group
Published: August 2020

AbstractNT-proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) increases with age and is associated with all-cause mortality. With this study, we assessed its possible utilization as a marker of biological age in comparison with other variables. The study included 1079 non-institutionalized elderly subjects (mean age 72.8 ± 5.5 years, 561 women). Baseline measurements were performed of serum NT-proBNP and of some laboratory variables previously utilized to estimate biological age (creatinine, albumin, C-reactive protein, cholesterol, blood glucose, leukocytes, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, mean cell volume). During 7 years of follow-up, 114 all-cause deaths occurred. The logarithm of NT-proBNP was the most age-related parameter (r = 0.35, P < 0.0001). Its relationship with mortality, according to Cox regression and ROC curve (AUC = 0.707, 95% CI 0.654–0.759), was stronger than that of all other variables, including age. In multivariate analysis, only NT-proBNP and age remained independently associated with mortality. The regression lines between age and NT-proBNP (pg/ml) allowed a separate estimation of biological age (“proBNPage”) for men (= [log(NT-proBNP) + 1.2068]/0.0827) and for women (= [log(NT-proBNP) − 1.5258]/0.0478). The hazard ratio of all-cause mortality for the fifth quintile of proBNP age (≥ 85 years) compared with the first quintile (< 61 years) was 7.9 (95% CI 3.6–17.5). Similarly, the difference between pro-BNPage and chronological age was associated with a hazard ratio of 3.5 in the fifth quintile (95% CI 1.9–6.4) and was associated with disease count (P for trend = 0.0002). In conclusion, NT-proBNP was the best indicator of biological age, which can be estimated by simple formulas and might be used for prognostic purposes or as a surrogate end point in epidemiological and intervention studies.
Do expected downturns kill political budget cycles?
Authors: Bohn Frank , Sturm Jan-Egbert 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe political budget cycle (PBC) literature argues that governments expand deficits in election years. However, what happens when an economic downturn is expected? Will the government allow the deficit to expand even further, or will it resort to spending cuts and tax increases? When voters expect less than full automatic stabilization, our model shows that opportunistic government behavior leads to smaller deficits, thereby responding procyclically to expected downturns. Panel data evidence for 74 democracies covering the period 2000-2016 robustly supports the theoretical procyclicality prediction. Moreover, expected downturns remain significant when other context-conditional PBC effects are included in the empirical analysis.
Low long-term mortality in patients with sleep apnoea and positive airway pressure therapy: analysis of a large German healthcare database
Authors: Woehrle H. , Schoebel C. , Oldenburg O. , Young P. , Fietze I. , Ficker J. H. , Bischoff-Everding C. , Libutzki B. , Arzt M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere are limited data on long-term mortality in sleep apnoea (SA) patients with and without positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. This retrospective cohort study investigated long-term hospitalisation and mortality rates in SA patients from a German statutory health insurance (SHI) database who did versus did not receive PAP therapy.MethodsPatients had continuous insurance coverage from 01 January 2008 to 31 December 2013, complete medical records and ≥1 SA-related diagnosis in 2009. Those receiving PAP were matched with a control group not treated with PAP. Outcomes (hospitalisations including stays in the sleep laboratory) were compared between groups the year prior to and the 4 years after SA diagnosis. Mortality was assessed in the 4 years after SA diagnosis.Results2176 PAP therapy recipients were matched with 2176 controls. The PAP group had a higher rate of hospitalisation in the year before SA diagnosis than the control group (80.2% vs. 26.6%;p = 0.0016). After diagnosis, the PAP group had a higher hospitalisation rate only in year 1 (p < 0.05), and average length of stay per hospitalisation was lower in the PAP group (p < 0.05 vs. control at years 1, 2 and 4). Cumulative all-cause mortality after year 3 (3.4% vs. 4.6%;p = 0.0287) and after year 4 (4.8% vs. 6.5%;p = 0.0175) was significantly lower in SA patients receiving PAP versus controls (relative risk reduction for death after 4 years: 25.5%).ConclusionThis real-world cohort study showed an association between long-term PAP therapy use and lower mortality, a higher rate of hospitalisations before and shorter hospital stays after treatment initiation.
Assessment of the risk of exposure to cadmium and lead as a result of the consumption of coffee infusions
Authors: Winiarska-Mieczan Anna , Kwiatkowska Katarzyna , Kwiecień Małgorzata , Zaricka Ewa 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe paper aimed to analyse the safety of drinking coffee by adult Poles in terms of Pb and Cd content. The degree to which Cd and Pb passed from coffee grounds into the coffee infusion was also examined. Twenty-three samples of natural coffee were examined. The content of metals was determined using the ICP method. On average, dry coffee contained ca. 0.004 μg Cd and 0.05 μg Pb per 1 g, and 95.5% Cd and 94% Pb passed into the infusion. Drinking coffee supplies these metals in the amount of less than 2% TWI (tolerable weekly intake) for Cd and BMDL (benchmark dose lower confidence limit) for Pb. In the presented studies, the values of CDI (chronic daily intake), THQ (target hazard quotient) and HI (hazard index) indicators were lower than 1, which means that the risk of developing diseases connected with chronic exposure to Cd and Pb consumed with coffee must be evaluated as very low. The content of Cd and Pb in the analysed coffee infusions was very low, so drinking coffee does not pose a risk for consumers in terms of the content of these metals. However, it must be remembered that no threshold limits for toxic metal consumption exist because these metals accumulate in the body for a long time. The studies presented here also showed a low (r = 0.26) but still a positive correlation between the content of Pb in coffee and the degree (%) to which Pb passed into the infusion. This problem should be thoroughly investigated.
Assessment of energy-saving potential, associated costs and co-benefits of public buildings in Albania
Authors: Novikova Aleksandra , Szalay Zsuzsa , Horváth Miklós , Becker Johannes , Simaku Gjergji , Csoknyai Tamás 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe paper presents the public building typology, energy demand estimations and retrofit scenarios, as well as associated costs and benefits for energy-saving measures in the public building stock of Albania. First, representative building types were identified to estimate their energy performance, and define retrofit packages. Second, this information was used to analyse the costs and benefits of the different thermal efficiency retrofits. Apart from specific benefits due to cost savings in the use phase, co-benefits were estimated to understand their dimension and influence on decision-making. Finally, energy efficiency supply curves were developed to show the priority sequence of retrofits and building types. It was found that due to the growing wealth in Albania, user behaviour will change a lot in the future. Energy usage in the public building sector will increase and mitigate savings resulting from energy-saving measures making saved energy costs invisible. However, if other benefits beyond energy savings are considered, the cost efficiency of the measures remain obvious. The recommended approach can be used to assist decision-making and allocate funds.
Stability of Thermocapillary Flow in High-Prandtl-Number Liquid Bridges Exposed to a Coaxial Gas Stream
Authors: Stojanovic Mario , Kuhlmann Hendrik C. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe stability of thermocapillary flow in a liquid bridge made from 5cSt silicone oil (Pr = 68) is computed numerically. To improve the numerical model as compared to the standard approach, we consider the flow in the liquid bridge fully coupled to the flow in the ambient gas, temperature-dependent material parameters, and a dynamically deforming liquid–gas interface. We address the full two-phase-flow problem of interest for the space experiment JEREMI and investigate the effect of a steady axisymmetric coaxial gas flow which is imposed at the inlet of the annular gap between the liquid bridge and the outer confining cylinder. Under zero-gravity the flow is primarily driven by the imposed temperature gradient with viscous stresses from the gas phase being small. However, the heat transfer between liquid and the gas, and thus the temperature fields are strongly affected by the forced flow in the gas phase. As a result the stability of the steady axisymmetric flow depends sensitively on the flow direction and the temperature of the gas. If the temperature of the gas is identical to that of the support rod of the liquid bridge a gas stream opposing the thermocapillary stresses strongly destabilizes the basic flow. In a co-flow configuration the basic state is stabilized. Curves of neutral Reynolds numbers as functions of the strength of the annular gas flow are discussed for two aspect ratios of the liquid bridge.
Progress in heart failure management in the Netherlands and beyond: long-term commitment to deliver high-quality research and patient care
Authors: Meems L. M. G. , van Veldhuisen D. J. , de Boer R. A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHeart failure (HF) remains a major global problem. In the Netherlands, 1.5–2.0% of the total population is diagnosed with HF. Over 30,000 HF patients are admitted annually in the Netherlands, and this number is expected to further increase given the ageing population and the chronic nature of HF. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of HF, morbidity and mortality rates of this disease remain high. However, several new treatment modalities have become available or are expected to become available in the coming years. This review will provide an overview of HF research conducted in the Netherlands (often in an international setting) that may have clinical consequences for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HF, and will also evaluate outcomes of larger clinical trials that have been conducted in the Netherlands.
Incorporating design for remanufacturing in the early design stage: a design management perspective
Authors: Boorsma Nina , Balkenende Ruud , Bakker Conny , Tsui Tanya , Peck David 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAdopting design approaches that allow products to last multiple use-cycles supports European Commission objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce primary material impacts. Remanufacturing is an example of an appropriate circular strategy and it can be applied in a variety of industries that are intensive materials users. However, most companies have not yet adopted design strategies facilitating remanufacturing at scale. In this paper, we explored how design management can facilitate the implementation of Design for Remanufacturing, based on a literature review and in-depth interviews. Seven companies active in business-to-business markets were interviewed about the design-related opportunities and barriers they see for remanufacturing. We found that access to technical knowledge is not a barrier, whereas integrating this knowledge into the existing design process is. We conclude that design management can contribute to the uptake of Design for Remanufacturing for the following reasons: by making the value of Design for Remanufacturing to the company at large explicit, by building bridges between internal and external stakeholders, and by embedding Design for Remanufacturing into existing processes by means of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and roadmaps.
Redesigning continuing professional development: Harnessing design thinking to go from needs assessment to mandate
Authors: Chorley Alexander , Azzam Khalid , Chan Teresa M. 
Published: August 2020

Background The world of medicine is constantly changing, and with it the continuing professional development (CPD) needs of physicians. As the CPD landscape is shifting away from unidirectional delivery of knowledge through live large group learning (conferences) and is placing increased emphasis on new approaches for skills training not taught a decade ago, a new approach is needed.
Approach Using design thinking techniques, we hosted a full-day retreat for emergency medicine stakeholders in Hamilton and the surrounding region. Prior to the retreat we collected medico-legal data on emergency physicians in our region and performed a needs assessment survey. At the retreat, we had participants brainstorm ideas for CPD, generate archetypes for end-users, then generate solutions to the problems they had identified. These proposals were presented to the larger group for feedback and refinement.
Evaluation The Design Thinking Retreat generated five main pillars for action by our CPD team. 1) Simulation/procedural learning (staff simulation, procedural skills day, in situ simulation); 2) Asynchronous learning (website and podcast); 3) Synchronous learning (small group sessions for staff); 4) Community connectivity (online platform for collaboration and communication); and 5) Coaching & mentorship (focused coaching for specific practice improvement, improved onboarding for new staff).
Reflection These ideas have vastly increased engagement in CPD. Stakeholder consultation via design thinking may be a key approach for educators to use.
Pancreatic nodule positive for 68-Ga-DOTAPEPTIDE-PET: NET or ectopic spleen? The importance of a good differential diagnosis
Authors: Serra Francesco , De Matteis Gianluca , Delfanti Sara , Feltri Monica , Vanoli Alessandro , Cavenaghi Giorgio , Gallotti Anna , Maestri Marcello , Brugnatelli Silvia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Accessory spleen is a congenital defect in which splenic tissue is present outside the spleen. In 20% of cases, accessory spleen is localized within the pancreatic tail, a condition known as IPAS. The identification of this benign anomaly, which affects about 2% of general population, is not easy because it is often mistaken for a pNET which is more common, at around 5%. A 68-Ga-DOTAPEPTIDE-PET normally identifies pNETs with high rate of sensitivity and specificity, but in some conditions, it produces false positives, including IPAS.

Materials and tools
A clinical case we recently encountered, prompted us to review the available medical literature on the topic. Typing “intrapancreatic accessory spleen” into PubMed database and limiting research to the last 10 years yielded 121 results from which we selected the most relevant articles for decision-making, with a brief explanation of the reasons for selecting those. Our analysis focused on the most critical and least descriptive articles, those which clearly indicated the importance of differential diagnosis by promoting the use of advanced investigations in case of pancreatic nodule suspected for IPAS. Ultimately, our objective was to update the available guidelines recommendations.

Discussion and conclusions
Despite concern in the medical literature, a differential IPAS diagnosis is still subordinate to other clinical, radiological, nuclear medicine, and cytological criteria. After reviewing the literature, we recommend that IPAS should always be considered as a possibility before diagnosis of pNET is made. IPAS should be suspected in the presence of the following findings: asymptomatic pancreatic nodule found incidentally, absence of laboratory findings of NETs, localization in the pancreatic tail, between 1 and 3 cm in size with well-defined margins, homogeneous enhancement, and similar attenuation to the spleen on CT and MRI. In these cases, the use of advanced investigations beyond 68-Ga-DOTAPEPTIDE-PET must be systematic. The recognition of IPAS is not only a diagnostic refinement, but it also avoids unnecessary surgery for the patient.
Sexual Function in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Design of an Observational Prospective Multicenter Case Control Study
Authors: Pastoor Hester , Both Stephanie , Timman Reinier , Laan Ellen T.M. , Laven Joop S.E. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Introduction
The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is 10–15% in women of reproductive age. Its characteristics are (i) clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, (ii) oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, and (iii) polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. PCOS is associated with lower quality of life, depression, anxiety, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Treatment commonly entails oral contraceptive use to lower endogenous androgen levels. Androgen levels and comorbidities may affect sexual function. Previous studies have addressed a limited range of possible contributing factors. We will assess sexual function as well as genital and self-reported sexual arousal in a laboratory setting in women with PCOS compared to an age-matched healthy control group. Modulation by biopsychosocial factors mentioned will be studied.

Methods
This is a multicenter prospective case control study. The study population includes healthy women with and without PCOS, aged 18–40 years, in a stable heterosexual relationship for at least 6 months. Power is calculated at 67 participants in each group. Anticipating a drop out of 10%, 150 participants will be recruited.

Main outcome measures
The main outcomes measured are sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index, Sexual Desire Inventory, and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised; genital sexual arousal measured as vaginal pulse amplitude; and self-reported sexual arousal in response to erotic stimuli in a laboratory setting. The mediators that will be investigated include testosterone, free androgen levels, oral contraceptive use, sensitivity to androgens (using CAG repeat length), body mass index, body image, mental health, and self-esteem.

Conclusion
Strengths of this study are the inclusion of a broad range of biopsychosocial outcome measures including DNA analysis, a healthy control group, and standardized assessment of genital and self-reported sexual arousal in a laboratory setting. With the design of this study we aim to provide an insight into which biopsychosocial factors associated with PCOS are related to sexual function, and how sexual function may be affected by treatment. These new insights may help to improve clinical management of PCOS while improving the quality of life.
Chronic Maternal Tobacco Smoke Exposure and/or Alpha-Lipoic Acid Treatment Causes Long-Term Deterioration of Testis and Sexual Behavior in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Yardimci Ahmet , Akkoc Ramazan Fazil , Tektemur Ahmet , Ulker Nazife , Kaya Tektemur Nalan , Erdem Guzel Elif , Canpolat Sinan , Ozan Ibrahim Enver 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Tobacco use during pregnancy is known to have several negative effects on the offspring's reproductive health in the long term. The use of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a dietary supplement during pregnancy has increased greatly in recent years and has been known to have positive effects on various pregnancy outcomes including miscarriage, diabetic embryopathy, preterm delivery, and congenital malformations.

Aim
To evaluate the effects of tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) on sexual behavior, reproductive parameters, and testicles in adult male rats and to reveal the possible role of ALA administration on these parameters.

Methods
Pregnant rats (n = 7 per group) were treated with tobacco smoke (TS), ALA (20 mg/kg), and TS + ALA for a total of 11 weeks. The following parameters were compared with 8 control rats: puberty parameters, sexual behavior; levels of serum gonadotropins and testosterone, total antioxidant status, and total oxidant status; the expression of the apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 and caspase 9 mRNA levels in the testis; and assessment of immunohistochemistry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay of testis.

Main Outcome Measure
Sexual behavior, changes in puberty parameters, and hormonal and genetic alterations were the outcomes analyzed in this study.

Results
Maternal TSE caused a significant decrease in the number of intromissions compared to the control group. Similarly, ALA decreased erectile function in sexual behavior by decreasing the number of intromissions and intromission ratio in the ALA group compared to the control group. In addition, TSE and ALA treatment caused an impairment of some consummatory sexual behaviors. Also, in parallel with this inhibitory effect, the age of pubertal onset was significantly delayed in the TS + ALA group compared to other groups. Also, histopathological changes in testicular tissue, oxidative stress markers, apoptotic index, and mRNA levels of apoptosis-related genes increased in all treatment groups.

Clinical Implications
The use of ALA and/or tobacco products during pregnancy may adversely affect the reproductive health of male newborns in the long term.

Strengths & Limitations
To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to show the effects of maternal ALA treatment and/or TSE on the sexual behavior and reproductive parameters in male rats; however, the study is based on an animal model, and the present findings partially reflect the characteristics of human sexual behavior.

Conclusion
Maternal TSE and/or ALA treatment may impair sexual behavior in adulthood in male rats because of testicular damage caused by oxidative stress during gonadal development.