bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Positive Lymph Nodes in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: What Does It Mean?
Authors: Sada Alaa , Glasgow Amy E. , Lyden Melanie L. , Thompson Geoffrey B. , Dy Benzon M. , McKenzie Travis J. , Habermann Elizabeth B. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe role of lymphadenectomy in adrenocortical carcinoma resection is controversial. Therefore, we conducted a population‐based study to assess the association between positive lymph nodes (LN) and survival.MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results set of cancer registries were utilized. The associations between positive lymph nodes and tumor size, grade and laterality were assessed. Cancer specific survival (CSS) trends and factors affecting survival were analyzed.ResultsA total of 2170 adult patients were identified; 60% underwent resection. Among those resected, LN were examined in 23% and were positive in 25% of patients with LN examined. Patients with positive LN tended to have smaller tumors compared to those with negative LN (12 ± 5 vs 15 ± 11 cm, p = 0.02). The rate of positive LN was higher in right ACC, p = 0.03. Median overall CSS was 21 months, with significant differences between resection (42 months) and no resection (4 months), p < 0.01. Median CSS did not change over time when comparing ACC patients who underwent surgery before 2000, 2000–2009, and 2010–2016. On multivariable analysis including resection group, advanced age, grades III and IV, regional and distant stage, in addition to positive LN were associated with worse survival, p < 0.05.ConclusionLymphadenectomy is infrequently performed during ACC resection, and when performed, regional LN involvement tends to be associated with worse survival. Neoplasm size and grade were not associated with LN involvement and therefore, do not inform lymphadenectomy need. Further studies are needed to assess the indications for, and value of lymphadenectomy in ACC.
The effect of olive leaf extract on cardiovascular health markers: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Stevens Yala , Winkens Bjorn , Jonkers Daisy , Masclee Adrian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Overweight and obesity are associated with many health problems, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Evidence from previous studies has shown that extracts from olive leaves rich in olive phenolics are able to positively affect CVD risk factors, such as high blood pressure and dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8-week olive leaf extract (OLE) administration on blood lipid profiles in overweight/obese subjects with mildly elevated cholesterol levels.

Methods
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 77 healthy adult overweight/obese subjects (aged 56 ± 10 years and BMI 29.0 ± 2.7 kg/m2) with total cholesterol levels of 5.0–8.0 mmol/L (5.9 ± 0.7 mmol/L) were randomly assigned to receive 500 mg of OLE (n = 39) or placebo (n = 38) for 8 weeks. In total, 74 subjects completed the entire study protocol. At baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of supplementation, blood lipid profiles, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), blood pressure, glucose, and insulin levels were assessed. In addition, liver function parameters were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks.

Results
OLE supplementation did not significantly affect blood lipid levels after 4 weeks or after 8 weeks compared to placebo (all p > 0.05). For oxLDL, blood pressure, glucose, and insulin levels and liver function parameters, also no statistically significant differences were found between the two intervention groups (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions
Blood lipid profiles were not significantly affected by 8 weeks OLE supplementation in overweight/obese subjects with mildly elevated cholesterol levels.

Trial registered
The trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02990637).
Can hearing amplification improve presbyvestibulopathy and/or the risk-to-fall ?
Authors: Ernst Arne , Basta Dietmar , Mittmann Philipp , Seidl Rainer O. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The decline of sensory systems during aging has been widely investigated and several papers have correlated the visual, hearing and vestibular systems and the consequences of their functional degeneration. Hearing loss and presbyvestibulopathy have been found to be positively correlated as is with the risk-to-fall.

Material and methods
The present study was therefore designed as systematic review (due to PRISMA criteria) which should correlate hearing amplification by hearing aids and/or cochlear implants with balance outcome. However, the literature review (Cochrane, PubMed) revealed ten paper (prospective, controlled trials and acute trials) with heterogenous patient popiulations and non-uniform outcome measures (i.e., gait analysis, questionnaires, postural stabilometry) so that no quantitative, statistical analysis could be performed.

Results
The qualitative analysis oft he identified studies showed that hearing amplification in the elderly improves spatio-temporal orientation (particularly with cochlear implants) and that the process of utilizing auditory information for balance control takes some time (i.e., the neuroplasticity-based, learning processes), usually some months in cochlear implantees.

Discussion
Hearing and balance function degenerate independently from each other and large interindividual differences require a separate neurotological examination of each patient. However, hearing amplification is most helpful to improve postural stability, particularly in the elderly. Future research should focus on controlled, prospective clinical trials where a standardized test battery covering the audiological and neurotological profile of each elderly patient pre/post prescription of hearing aids and/or cochlear implantation should be followed up (for at least 1 year) so that also the balance improvements and the risk-to-fall can be reliably assessed (e.g., by mobile posturography and standardized questionnaires, e.g., the DHI).
Slip and tilt: modeling falls over railings
Authors: Muggenthaler H. , Hubig M. , Meierhofer A. , Mall G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFalls over railings are frequent case scenarios forensic experts are confronted with. An important issue is the differentiation of accidental and non-accidental falling scenarios. From a biomechanical point of view, this is a challenging task and should be addressed in a multifactorial approach. This work presents a simplified mechanical model in terms of a cranked rod that can be used in cases without relevant dynamic components in terms of pushing or jumping. If the anti-slip and the anti-tilt condition are violated, the possibility for a person to get over a railing should be assumed and investigated in more detail. Because our approach also involves uncertainties, the formulae should be understood to be part of a multifactorial approach. Numerical simulation, experimental reconstruction, injury pattern, and trace analysis can yield additional substantial connecting facts.
Predicting biodiversity richness in rapidly changing landscapes: climate, low human pressure or protection as salvation?
Authors: Macdonald David W. , Chiaverini Luca , Bothwell Helen M. , Kaszta Żaneta , Ash Eric , Bolongon Gilmoore , Can Özgün Emre , Campos-Arceiz Ahimsa , Channa Phan , Clements Gopalasamy Reuben , Hearn Andrew J. , Hedges Laurie , Htun Saw , Kamler Jan F. , Macdonald Ewan A. , Moore Jonathan , Naing Hla , Onuma Manabu , Rasphone Akchousanh , Rayan D. Mark , Ross Joanna , Singh Priya , Tan Cedric Kai Wei , Wadey Jamie , Yadav Bhupendra P. , Cushman Samuel A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRates of biodiversity loss in Southeast Asia are among the highest in the world, and the Indo-Burma and South-Central China Biodiversity Hotspots rank among the world’s most threatened. Developing robust multi-species conservation models is critical for stemming biodiversity loss both here and globally. We used a large and geographically extensive remote-camera survey and multi-scale, multivariate optimization species distribution modelling to investigate the factors driving biodiversity across these two adjoining biodiversity hotspots. Four major findings emerged from the work. (i) We identified clear spatial patterns of species richness, with two main biodiverse centres in the Thai-Malay Peninsula and in the mountainous region of Southwest China. (ii) Carnivores in particular, and large ungulates to a lesser degree, were the strongest indicators of species richness. (iii) Climate had the largest effect on biodiversity, followed by protected status and human footprint. (iv) Gap analysis between the biodiversity model and the current system of protected areas revealed that the majority of areas supporting the highest predicted biodiversity are not protected. Our results highlighted several key locations that should be prioritized for expanding the protected area network to maximize conservation effectiveness. We demonstrated the importance of switching from single-species to multi-species approaches to highlight areas of high priority for biodiversity conservation. In addition, since these areas mostly occur over multiple countries, we also advocate for a paradigmatic focus on transboundary conservation planning.
European fuel economy policy for new passenger cars: a historical comparative analysis of discourses and change factors
Authors: Oki Takahiro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn April 2019, the European Union (EU) revised its fuel economy policy for new passenger cars (PC). The new standard set an ambitious policy framework that featured high CO2 caps on these vehicles from 2025 and 2030 with limited flexibility for automobile industry to comply with the new standard, reflecting European decision-makers’ aspirations for zero-emission mobility. Most literature on EU policy-making and interest representation has pointed out the power of automobile industry and argued that these industry actors were able to influence the stringency of actual emission standards in the timeframe of 2012 and 2020. However, this conventional view of the dominance of automobile industry does not sufficiently explain why European policy-makers were able to change their fuel economy policy so significantly in 2019. To fill this research gap in the existing literature, this research focuses on discourses and coalitions of actors who deployed these discourses throughout three legislative processes that have shaped the EU’s fuel economy policy: Regulation 443/2009, Regulation 2014/333 and Regulation 2019/613. This research not only considers the interests and powers of relevant actors, which are the primary focus of much of the existing literature; but also a range of ideas and discourses that they have brought to policy discussions. Drawing on the theoretical literature of argumentative discourse analysis (ADA) and policy change, this article attempts to highlight discursive battles within key actors over the stringency of EU’s fuel economy policy on PCs.
Blockchain for Collaborative Businesses
Authors: Bedin Augusto R. C. , Capretz Miriam , Mir Syed 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBlockchain applications have continuously improved ever since its first debut on cryptocurrency. From then on, its uses have branched out from the financial realm, finding their way into numerous industries such as health, environmental, and governmental. Businesses are starting to take advantage of the intrinsic traits that made blockchain so notorious into their operations, such as security, integrity, and transparency. Blockchain’s versatility allows companies to cooperate on a shielded environment with business partners safely. This paper details how permissioned blockchain networks can accommodate collaborative business models securely to provide thriving business alliances. Examples of cooperative business models and business relationship orientation are described here, as well as how they generate value when paired with permissioned blockchain networks - a more business-oriented variety of blockchain. To support this study’s endeavors, business use cases are presented to highlight how simple it is to put in place a permissioned blockchain to businesses to achieve tighter bonds with business partners. The use cases contain particular goals that enterprises seek to accomplish by partnering up with other companies, as well as how, with the employment of blockchain, they can attain them.
Party Elites’ Preferences in Candidates: Evidence from a Conjoint Experiment
Authors: Rehmert Jochen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractParty elites selecting candidates are crucial for the composition of parliament. Yet, despite their pivotal position within the party, we know only little about their preferences for potential candidates and how their own backgrounds shape these preferences. This paper presents results from a conjoint experiment carried out with party delegates chosen to select the candidates for five German parties in the run-up to three state elections. Theoretical expectations derived from the principle-agent framework on delegates’ preferences in candidates are evaluated. Analyses show that delegates prefer attributes indicative of quality and socio-demographic similarity in candidates. Additionally, I show that these preferences for candidates differ between inexperienced and experienced delegates, the latter showing a stronger preference for valence attributes in candidates. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of personal attributes of selectors for candidate selection and hold crucial implications for the composition of legislatures and long-term effects on public policy.
Quality of life more than 10 years after radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer—impact of time after treatment and prescription dose
Authors: Pinkawa Michael , Gharib Amr , Schlenter Marsha , Timm Ludmila , Eble Michael J. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Analysis of quality of life changes after radiotherapy with focus on the impact of time after treatment and prescription dose.

Methods
Consecutive patients were treated with doses from 70.2/1.8 Gy (n = 206) to 72/1.8–2.0 Gy (n = 176) in a single centre and surveyed using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite questionnaire.

Results
Urinary and bowel bother scores decreased 1 / 3 / 6 points and 7 / 7 / 9 points on average 1 / 5 / 10 years after RT in comparison to baseline scores. The rate of urinary (need of pads in 8% vs. 15% before vs. 10 years after RT; p = 0.01) and bowel (uncontrolled leakage of stool in 5% vs. 12% before vs. 10 years after RT; p < 0.01) incontinence, as well as rectal bleeding (4% vs. 8% before vs. 10 years after RT; p = 0.05) increased. Sexual function scores decreased (erections sufficient for intercourse in 36% vs. 12% before vs. 10 years after RT; p < 0.01).
A higher dose had a statistically significant impact on urinary bother and stool incontinence, but also tended to decrease urinary continence. Age and comorbidities did not have an influence on score changes, but on baseline urinary function/bother and baseline sexual function.

Conclusion
Apart from an increasing rate of erectile dysfunction, urinary and bowel incontinence rates increased with increasing follow-up period. A higher dose was found to be associated with increased urinary problems and larger stool incontinence rates. Age and comorbidities were found to be relevant for baseline scores, but not for score changes.
Savage vs. Anscombe-Aumann: an experimental investigation of ambiguity frameworks
Authors: Oechssler Jörg , Roomets Alex 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe Savage and the Anscombe–Aumann frameworks are the two most popular approaches used when modeling ambiguity. The former is more flexible, but the latter is often preferred for its simplicity. We conduct an experiment where subjects place bets on the joint outcome of an ambiguous urn and a fair coin. We document that more than a third of our subjects make choices that are incompatible with Anscombe–Aumann for any preferences, while the Savage framework is flexible enough to account for subjects’ behaviors.
‘Urban biocultural diversity’ as a framework for human–nature interactions: reflections from a Brazilian favela
Authors: Stålhammar Sanna , Brink Ebba 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBiocultural diversity (BCD), denoting the ‘inextricable link’ between biological and cultural diversity, has traditionally highlighted the coevolution between highly biodiverse regions and the ethnic–linguistic diversity of indigenous communities. Recently, European researchers have relaunched BCD as a conceptual foundation for urban greenspace planning capable of overcoming challenges of the ecosystem services paradigm. However, the methodological foundation for this particular approach to ‘urban BCD’ is still in its infancy, obscuring preciselyhowthe framework is an advancement for studying different urban residents’ experience of and connectedness to nature and biodiversity. In this paper, we further develop the urban BCD concept by using the culturally and biologically diverse city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as a ‘critical case’. First, we employ qualitative field methods to investigate manifestations of human–nature relationships in thefavela(informal settlement) of Rocinha and the neighbouring Tijuca Forest. Second, we reflect on how the urban BCD framework and methodology emphasise i) interrelationships, ii) varied group values and iii) participation, and iv) are sensitising and reflexive. Our findings challenge the ‘usual’ narrative aboutfavelasas places of environmental degradation and disaster risk, revealing BCD and nature connectedness that are as related to popular culture, fitness ideals and citizen-building, as to traditional livelihoods and spiritual beliefs. Departing from interrelationships, BCD can portray aspects that a narrow focus on ‘services’ and ‘disservices’ cannot, but attention should be paid to how operationalisation risks perpetuating ecosystem services thinking. Nevertheless, we identify promising avenues for its use in highly diverse cities with unequal access to natural areas.
Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic classification of Tunisian SARS-CoV-2 strains from patients of the Military Hospital in Tunis
Authors: Handrick Susann , Bestehorn-Willmann Malena , Eckstein Simone , Walter Mathias C. , Antwerpen Markus H. , Naija Habiba , Stoecker Kilian , Wölfel Roman , Ben Moussa Mohamed 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the present work, two complete genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 were obtained from nasal swab samples of Tunisian SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive patients using nanopore sequencing. The virus genomes of two of the patients examined, a Tunisian soldier returning from a mission in Morocco and a member of another Tunisian family, showed significant differences in analyses of the total genome and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Phylogenetic relationships with known SARS-CoV-2 genomes in the African region, some European and Middle Eastern countries and initial epidemiological conclusions indicate that the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into Tunisia from two independent sources was travel-related.
The Global Study of Philanthropic Behavior
Authors: Wiepking Pamala 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWhile there is apparent evidence that individual philanthropic behavior and the motivations for this behavior are at least to some extent universal, there is also evidence that people across the world do not equally display this behavior. In this conceptual article, I explore how we can study philanthropic behaviors from a global perspective. I contend that the macro-level study of philanthropy is underdeveloped, because of three problems intrinsic to the study of global philanthropy: problems with geographical orientation, connotations and definitions. As a first step to overcome these problems, I suggest the use of the term generosity behavior over philanthropic behavior, as this term appears more inclusive of the multitude of definitions and connotations across cultures. I conclude by formulating a collaborative research agenda for a more inclusive study and understanding of global generosity behavior, focused on generating publicly accessible knowledge and informing policy.
Comparing Extraction Methods for Biomarker Steroid Characterisation from Soil and Slurry
Authors: Manley Amber , Collins Adrian L. , Joynes Adrian , Mellander Per-Erik , Jordan Phil 
Published: October 2020

AbstractClean water is a precious resource, and policies/programmes are implemented worldwide to protect and/or improve water quality. Faecal pollution can be a key contributor to water quality decline causing eutrophication through nutrient enrichment and pathogenic contamination. The robust sourcing of faecal pollutants is important to be able to target the appropriate sector and to engage managers. Biomarker technology has the potential for source confirmation, by using, for example the biomarker suite of steroids. Steroids have been used in the differentiation of human and animal faeces; however, there is no unequivocal extraction technique. Some of the methods used include (i) Soxhlet extraction, (ii) Bligh and Dyer (BD) extraction, and (iii) accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). The less costly and time intensive technique of ASE is particularly attractive, but a current research gap concerns further comparisons regarding ASE lipid extraction from soils/slurries compared with the more traditional Soxhlet and BD extractions. Accordingly, a randomised complete block experiment was implemented to assess differences between the three extraction methods, differences between the different sample types, and the interactions between these two factors. Following GC-MS, it was found that there was no significant difference between the results of the steroid extraction methods, regardless of the type of sample used, for the quantity of each steroid extracted. It was concluded that ASE could be used confidently instead of the more established steroid extraction methods, thereby delivering time and cost savings.
Residency training in the time of COVID-19: A&nbsp;framework for academic medical centers dealing with the pandemic
Authors: Abdel-Razig Sawsan , Ahmad Waqaas , Shkoukani Mahdi A. , Nusair Ahmad , Ramirez Antonio , Siddiqi Kashif , Akmal Yasir , Khusaibi Ziyana Al , Tuzcu E. Murat 
Published: October 2020

Background As cases of COVID-19 climb worldwide, academic medical centers (AMCs) are scrambling to balance the increasing demand for medical services while maintaining safe learning environments. The scale and nature of the current pandemic, limitations on key resources, risks of transmission, and the impact on trainee wellbeing pose additional challenges to AMCs. We propose a framework for AMCs to utilize in facilitating health system, organization and program-level adjustments to meet the needs of medical trainees during the pandemic.
Approach In February 2020, we developed a three-level approach to the pandemic response of training programs at our AMC. The first level involved AMC alignment and engagement with regulatory stakeholders. The second level utilized the graduate medical education committee and leveraged organizational functions such as human resources, finance, and clinical departments. The third level of intervention focused on common approaches used by programs to ensure continuity of learning in the context of dynamic changes in workflows and service operations.
Evaluation Outcomes at each level are reported. These include the co-development of a national framework on medical trainee responses to COVID-19, the composition of an operational guidance document, organizational protocols to accommodate novel challenges posed by the pandemic, and multiple program-level interventions.
Reflection This methodical approach, employed during a global crisis, was critical in facilitating interventions required to fulfill the mission of AMCs. Future steps include assessing the impact of these changes on trainee performance and the applicability of the approach in diverse settings.