bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Framework on strategic competence performance – a case study of a UK NHS organization
Authors: Darling Chris , Venkitachalam Krishna 
Published: October 2020

PurposeExtant literature on strategic environment analysis confirm broad evidence of studies on competences in the context of private sector organizations. Nevertheless, there is a growing interest and evidence of strategic competence in public sector organizations seeking to deliver improved performance. This paper attempts to determine the strategic competences of a National Health Service (NHS) unit for better organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on the qualitative analysis of empirical evidence collected in a UK based NHS case study organization, we arrive at a strategic competence performance framework for the health unit using research carried out through interviews with employees and partner organization members.FindingsBy examining a UK-based qualitative case study, the proposed framework puts forward four strategic competence pillars vital for delivering organizational performance and effectively managing the environment of NHS unit's operations. The four strategic competences that are identified to foster NHS unit's performance are strategic leadership, staff engagement, knowledge transfer and partnership working.Originality/valueThe study examines the environment in which a UK based NHS health unit operates and identify the different strategic competences to deliver organizational performance.
A discussion on using quantitative or qualitative data for assessment of individual competencies
Authors: Macchi Silva Vítor Vasata , Ribeiro José Luis Duarte 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThis article presents an investigation of the suitability of using quantitative or qualitative data for individual competencies assessment. Specifically, the primary purpose of this article is to identify if the results provided by quantitative and qualitative instruments focused on individual competencies are convergent.Design/methodology/approachIn order to do the investigation proposed, a survey on individual competencies comprising a group of employees of the administrative area of a steel company was carried out. A total of 268 evaluations were collected and analyzed.FindingsThe analysis of the employee's performance appraisals provided by ratings and narrative comments indicates a low correlation between these assessments. The reasons for such low correlation include the qualitative assessments variability, the restricted list of competencies used in the quantitative assessments and the analytical format of quantitative assessments.Originality/valueThe study indicates that quantitative and qualitative assessments should be carried out jointly so that they can generate more comprehensive results. When the combined use is not possible, the quantitative approach is better suited for assessing performance, while the qualitative approach provides more valuable insights for boosting people development processes.
Effect of orexin‐A on mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy and structure in HEK293‐APPSWE cell model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhu Zhengyu , Xu LinLin , Cao DeYan , Song ChaoYuan , Wang YuZhen , Li Maoyu , Yan Jieke , Xie ZhaoHong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Our previous studies showed that over expression of AD‐associated mutant β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP) led to abnormalities of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of orexin‐A on mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy and mitochondrial structure in overexpression of AD‐associated mutant APP cells. We used 20E2 cells as the AD cell model. 20E2 cells were treated with orexin‐A (50, 100 nmol/L). The effect of different concentrations of orexin‐A on cell activity was detected by MTT. As compared with the non‐treated 20E2 cells, orexin‐A‐treated 20E2 cells showed increased expression of APP, decreased cell viability and decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, decreased levels of regulatory proteins of mitochondrial biogenesis (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐alpha [PGC‐1α], nuclear respiratory factor 1/2 [NRF1/2], mitochondrial transcription factor A [TFAM]), increased levels of regulatory proteins of mitophagy (Parkin, PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1 [PINK1], microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 II/I [LC3‐II/LC3‐I]) and decreased p62 level, with damaged mitochondrial structure. Orexin‐A may reduce mitochondrial biogenesis, enhance mitophagy and damage mitochondrial structure in AD.
Potential risks of Tithonia diversifolia in Yunnan Province under climate change
Authors: Dai Guanghui , Wang Shuai , Geng Yupeng , Dawazhaxi  , Ou Xiaokun , Zhang Zhiming 
Published: October 2020

AbstractYunnan province is known for its extraordinarily rich biodiversity, but this is threatened by invasive species under climate change. In the present study, the current and future potential distribution of an invasive grass—Tithonia diversifolia A. Gray in Yunnan province were predicted by species distribution modeling, under two climate change conditions (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5) through to 2050s. In addition, the potential risk of T. diversifolia to the protected areas of Yunnan was examined. Our results showed that the potential distribution areas of T. diversifolia would increase by 12 and 93% by 2050s, under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5, respectively. Yunnan's protected areas are now susceptible to T. diversifolia, and the scope of this plant's effects would continue to expand under climate change. A total of 26 protected areas are currently impacted by T. diversifolia, in a total affected range area of 2,822 km2, but by 2050s, this is predicted to increase by 23 and 53%, and would lead to one and 13 protected areas newly threatened under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5, respectively. These results suggest that T. diversifolia would benefit from global warming, we should prevent further global warming. In addition, human disturbance should be reduced and prohibited to protect native plants and forest ecosystem in southern, southeastern and northwestern part of Yunnan.
Phytotoxic effect of invasive speciesAmorpha fruticosaL. on germination and the early growth of forage and agricultural crop plants
Authors: Krstin Ljiljana , Katanić Zorana , Žuna Pfeiffer Tanja , Špoljarić Maronić Dubravka , Marinčić Dragica , Martinović Ana , Štolfa Čamagajevac Ivna 
Published: October 2020

AbstractInvasive plant species can inhibit the growth of native plants by competing for resources as well as by secreting allelochemicals. Indigobush (Amorpha fruticosaL.), a deciduous shrub adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions, was introduced into Europe as a decorative and valuable honey plant. In this study, we assayed the phytotoxic effect of aqueous leaf extracts (1, 3 and 5%) obtained fromA.fruticosaleaves on seed germination and seedling growth of four important agricultural species (Trifolium pratenseL. [cultivar “VIVA”],Medicago sativaL. [cultivar OS‐100],Helianthus annuusL. [hybrid “Matej”] andTriticum aestivumL. [cultivar OS‐Olimpija]). Five parameters were analyzed: germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, fresh weight of seedling root and shoot. The phytotoxicity ofA.fruticosaleaf extract was compared to that of juglone, a strong allelochemical that is known to inhibit growth of numerous plant species. The results demonstrate thatA.fruticosaphytotoxicity is dependent on both the plant species tested and leaf extract concentration, with higher concentration extracts having stronger phytotoxicity. The highest concentration (5%) leaf extract caused similar inhibition of seed germination and seedling growth to that of juglone. The results of this study suggest that the rapid invasion ofA.fruticosain agricultural areas may have a negative impact on growth and yield of valuable forage and agricultural crops.
Rock structure drives the taxonomic and functional diversity of endolithic microbial communities in extreme environments
Authors: Ertekin Emine , Meslier Victoria , Browning Alyssa , Treadgold John , DiRuggiero Jocelyne 
Published: October 2020

SummaryEndolithic (rock‐dwelling) microbial communities are ubiquitous in hyper‐arid deserts around the world and the last resort for life under extreme aridity. These communities are excellent models to explore biotic and abiotic drivers of diversity because they are of low complexity. Using high‐throughput amplicon and metagenome sequencing, combined with X‐ray computed tomography, we investigated how water availability and substrate architecture modulated the taxonomic and functional composition of gypsum endolithic communities in the Atacama Desert, Chile. We found that communities inhabiting gypsum rocks with a more fragmented substrate architecture had higher taxonomic and functional diversity, despite having less water available. This effect was tightly linked with community connectedness and likely the result of niche differentiation. Gypsum communities were functionally similar, yet adapted to their unique micro‐habitats by modulating their carbon and energy acquisition strategies and their growth modalities. Reconstructed population genomes showed that these endolithic microbial populations encoded potential pathways for anoxygenic phototrophy and atmospheric hydrogen oxidation as supplemental energy sources.
Ethical and Legal Implications of Remote Monitoring of Medical Devices
Authors: COHEN I. GLENN , GERKE SARA , KRAMER DANIEL B. 
Published: October 2020

Policy Points
Millions of life‐sustaining implantable devices collect and relay massive amounts of digital health data, increasingly by using user‐downloaded smartphone applications to facilitate data relay to clinicians via manufacturer servers.
Our analysis of health privacy laws indicates that most US patients may have little access to their own digital health data in the United States under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule, whereas the EU General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act grant greater access to device‐collected data.
Our normative analysis argues for consistently granting patients access to the raw data collected by their implantable devices.
ContextMillions of life‐sustaining implantable devices collect and relay massive amounts of digital health data, increasingly by using user‐downloaded smartphone applications to facilitate data relay to clinicians via manufacturer servers. Whether patients have either legal or normative claims to data collected by these devices, particularly in the raw, granular format beyond that summarized in their medical records, remains incompletely explored.MethodsUsing pacemakers and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) as a clinical model, we outline the clinical ecosystem of data collection, relay, retrieval, and documentation. We consider the legal implications of US and European privacy regulations for patient access to either summary or raw device data. Lastly, we evaluate ethical arguments for or against providing patients access to data beyond the summaries presented in medical records.FindingsOur analysis of applicable health privacy laws indicates that US patients may have little access to their raw data collected and held by device manufacturers in the United States under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule, whereas the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) grants greater access to device‐collected data when the processing of personal data falls under the GDPR's territorial scope. The California Consumer Privacy Act, the “little sister” of the GDPR, also grants greater rights to California residents. By contrast, our normative analysis argues for consistently granting patients access to the raw data collected by their implantable devices. Smartphone applications are increasingly involved in the collection, relay, retrieval, and documentation of these data. Therefore, we argue that smartphone user agreements are an emerging but potentially underutilized opportunity for clarifying both legal and ethical claims for device‐derived data.ConclusionsCurrent health privacy legislation incompletely supports patients’ normative claims for access to digital health data.
Extended shelf life milk processing: Effect of simulated cleaning in place on the germination and attachment of Bacillus cereus spores
Authors: Pretorius Chané , Buys Elna Maria 
Published: October 2020

The effect of simulated cleaning in place (CIP) was determined on the structure, attachment and growth of Bacillus cereus spores isolated from raw milk and biofilms in filler nozzles from extended shelf life (ESL) milk processing lines. Simulated CIP treatment structurally affected >98% of B. cereus spores, while 0.1% remained intact. Following simulated CIP treatment, B. cereus spores were able to attach to stainless steel coupons and form biofilms. B. cereus spores were capable of germination and growth under refrigerated conditions for more than 28 days. Contamination with B. cereus spores may lead to a reduced shelf life and potentially be a safety risk in ESL milk with a prolonged shelf life.
Ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic extraction of anthocyanins from grape skins: optimization, identification, and antitumor activity
Authors: Tan Jiaqi , Li Qian , Xue Hongkun , Tang Jintian 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGrape skins produced during the grape juice production and processing contain abundant anthocyanins and other active compounds. Consequently, this study optimized the extraction conditions for ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) of anthocyanins from grape skins via response surface methodology coupled with genetic algorithm. The optimum extraction parameters to achieve the highest anthocyanins yield (3.01 ± 0.04) mg/g from grape skins by UAEE were obtained under an extraction temperature of 50 °C, ultrasonic power of 400 W, pectinase dosage of 0.16%, and extraction time of 28 min. The AB‐8 macroporous resin combined Sephadex LH‐20 techniques were further employed to purify the anthocyanins extracts obtained under optimum extraction conditions (AEOEC), and the main anthocyanins were identified using high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The purified anthocyanins contained two anthocyanins in terms of delphinidin‐3,5‐O‐diglucoside and cyanidin‐3‐O‐rutinoside with purity of 91.35% and 92.64%, respectively. Ultimately, we further evaluated the antitumor activity of AEOEC and two purified anthocyanins on breast cancer. The results indicated that the antitumor effect of AEOEC on breast cancer MCF‐7 cells was better than that of two purified anthocyanins. In addition, AEOEC could memorably increase intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and apoptosis of MCF‐7 cells, and arrest MCF‐7 cells in the G2/M phases. The findings provide an effective and feasible method for anthocyanins extraction and reduce the environmental burden of this waste.
Clinical characterization of glioblastoma patients living longer than 2 years: A retrospective analysis of two Italian institutions
Authors: Anselmo Paola , Maranzano Ernesto , Selimi Adelina , Lupattelli Marco , Palumbo Isabella , Bini Vittorio , Casale Michelina , Trippa Fabio , Bufi Alessandro , Arcidiacono Fabio , Aristei Cynthia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAim: Despite the advances in surgery and radio‐chemotherapy, the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) remains poor with about 13% of patients alive at 24 months.Methods: A total of 75 long‐term survivors (LTS), defined as alive at least 24 months from diagnosis, were retrospectively analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free‐survival (RFS) were calculated and related to patient characteristics and treatment received.Results: Median age and Karnofsky performance status (KPS) were 56 years and 100%, respectively. After surgery (gross tumor resection‐GTR in 62, 83% patients), all LTS received concomitant temozolomide (TMZ) with radiotherapy and 70 (93%) adjuvant TMZ. Of these, 10 (13%) discontinued TMZ prior the completion of 6 cycles, 37 (49%) received 6 cycles and 23 (31%) >6 cycles. Sixty‐nine (92%) patients experienced a first tumor recurrence at a median time of 21 months. Of these, 32 (46%) were submitted to a second surgery, 34 (49%) to other no‐surgical treatments and 3 (5%) only supportive care. At multivariate analysis, OS was significantly improved by second surgery after first recurrence (P = 0.0032) and by cycles of adjuvant TMZ > 6 versus ≤6 (P = 0.05). More than six cycles of TMZ significantly conditioned also first RFS (P = 0.011) and second RFS (P = 0.033).Conclusion: The large majority of LTS had <65 years, had a high KPS and received GTR. OS and RFS resulted significantly related to an extended administration of adjuvant TMZ (>6 cycles) and a second surgery in case of recurrence.
Failure patterns and prognostic factors for cervical node‐negative nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the intensity‐modulated radiotherapy era
Authors: Wu Zheng , Wang Lei , Xie De‐Huan , Lv Shao‐Wen , Su Yong , Shi Ying‐Rui 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the failure patterns and prognostic factors in patients with cervical node‐negative nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in the intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) era.MethodsPatients with cervical node‐negative NPC treated with IMRT at the Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center between February 2001 and December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The failure patterns, prognostic factors, and efficacy of additional chemotherapy were assessed.ResultsThe median follow‐up time was 78 months for 298 patients. The 5‐year local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS), nodal recurrence‐free survival (NRFS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), failure‐free survival (FFS), and overall survival (OS) were 95.2%, 99.3%, 94.8%, 89.8%, and 92.9%, respectively. The rate of treatment failure remained high in patients with T4 disease (35.4%, 17/48), including eight of local recurrence, two of nodal recurrence, and seven of distant metastasis. Multivariate analyses showed that the primary gross tumor volume (GTVp) was significantly associated with LRFS, DMFS, FFS, and OS. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with GTVp ≤ 42.5 cc had better 5‐year LRFS (98.7% vs 81.4%, P < .001), 5‐year DMFS (97.8% vs 82.5%, P < .001), 5‐year FFS (96.1% vs 65.4%, P < .001), and 5‐year OS (96.6% vs 78.2%, P < .001) than patients with GTVp > 42.5 cc. However, additional chemotherapy showed no significant survival benefit in stratification analysis.ConclusionsCervical node‐negative NPC has a good prognosis in the IMRT era, and the primary tumor volume is the most important prognostic factor. Further exploration is needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy for patients with a high tumor burden.
Covid‐19: What is the best approach in gynecological oncology patient management during the coronavirus pandemic?
Authors: Hasanzadeh Malihe , Azad Afrooz , Farazestanian Marjaneh , Mousavi Seresht Leila 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCoronavirus (COVID‐19) infection is a new major concern and a global emergency in almost all countries worldwide; due to the higher sensibility of cancer patients, they are more susceptible to severe and fatal infections, being nearly 10 times more likely than in healthy individuals infected with this virus. Although the aggressive nature of a cancer is a matter of concern, our exact role as oncologists in this time of restricted resources is not fully clarified. Regarding some consensus recommendation for postponing surgery, there is still an essential need for a single approved protocol regarding each type of malignancy. Iran, as one of the first involved countries in this crisis in Asia, which also has a high prevalence of gynecological malignancies, will certainly require an individualized decision‐making schedule based on the most accepted global consensus opinion. Considering our restricted health system resources, herein we tried to introduce a logical gynecologic cancer management protocol based on the stage and survival expectancy of each tumor, along with reviewing all recent recommendations. The limited statistics published in this short period of time have obliged us to mainly focus on expert opinions, and the individualized clinical judgments should be agreed upon by multidisciplinary tumor board consensus. In conclusion, the COVID‐19 pandemic overshadows all aspects of medicine, and decision making in gynecological oncology patients requires precise and appropriate judgment based on the available local resources.
Intraoperative aerosol viral transmission in minimally invasive surgery: a scoping review and impact on clinical guidelines and practice during the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic
Authors: Mun Dong‐Ho , Pradere Benjamin , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Remzi Mesut 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo identify the available evidence on aerosol viral transmission risk during minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and evaluate its impact on guidelines development and clinical activity worldwide during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.MethodsWe performed a scoping review on PubMed, Cochrane, the Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Clinical Trial Register, and the Grey Literature Repository databases, to identify reports on viral transmission via surgical smoke or aerosolisation. A systematic review of all available national and international guidelines was also performed to report their recommendations. Additionally, a worldwide transdisciplinary survey was performed to capture the actual compliance to dedicated guidelines and their impact on MIS activity.ResultsBased on a selection of 17 studies, there was no evidence to support the concerns of an intraoperative viral transmission via pneumoperitoneum aerosolisation. Most national surgical and urological societies either did address this topic or referred to international guidelines. The guidelines of the American College of Surgery, the Royal College of Surgeons, and the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section, recommended an avoidance of MIS due to an increased risk of intraoperative aerosol‐enhanced transmission. The results of the survey completed by 334 respondents, from different surgical abdominal specialties, suggested a lack of compliance with the guidelines.ConclusionThere seems to be a dissonance between contemporary guidelines and ongoing surgical activity, possibly due to the perceived lack of evidence. Recommendations regarding changes in clinical practice should be based on the best available research evidence and experience. A scoping review of the evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms together with a survey showed that laparoscopic procedures do not seem to increase the risk of viral transmission. Nevertheless, the few publications and low quality of existing evidence limits the validity of the review.