bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Drives Bank Profitability? A Panel Data Analysis of Commercial Banks in Bangladesh
Authors: Rana-Al-Mosharrafa  , Islam Md. Shahidul
Published: October 2021

Bank profitability plays a significant role in the growth and development of an emerging economy. The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of bank characteristics, industry concentration and macroeconomics variables on commercial bank profitability in Bangladesh from 2007-2017. Bank profitability is proxied by return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and net interest margin (NIM). The study is based on secondary data and Hausman test has been performed using STATA software in favor of fixed effect modeling. Panel regressions shows that cost efficiency has significant negative impact on ROA and NIM. The positive impact of loan to deposit ratio with ROA suggests that efficient fund management including investment and assessed expenditure should be emphasized. Bank size has significant negative impact on all the measures of profitability, which indicates that monopolistic competition will reduce banking profit. Credit risk has significant positive impacts on ROE. Industry concentration measured by CR3 is positively related with ROE and has significant negative relation with bank profitability (ROA). Among macroeconomic variables inflation has significant positive and bank spread has significant negative impact on ROE. The coefficients of all the macroeconomic variables have been found to be significantly related to bank profitability while measured by NIM. Our study recommends further research with other explanatory variables such as, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and deposit insurance to accelerate the model and construct the econometric model by using structural equation modeling, mediation effect modeling etc.
Analysis of Long-term Determinants of the Profitability for Amalgamated Bank of South Africa
Authors: Antwi Albert
Published: October 2021

Averting the risk of falling short on the expected profitability of a bank requires the knowledge of the underlying determinants. Knowledge of long-run underlying determinants of profitability assists banks in comprehensive planning. In this backdrop, the paper seeks to identify the long-term fundamental risk factors and their impacts on their profitability. The FM-OLS regression method is employed using annual data on the components of profitability as well as internal and external determinants of profitability of Amalgamated Bank of South Africa (ABSA) bank from 1998 to 2014. The study is particularly importance since bank-specific studies aimed at identifying long-run fundamental factors of profitability has not been given much attention in literature. Evidence from the study indicates that profitability of ABSA is cointegrated with its determinants. It is further observed that, with the exception of inflation and GDP, all the determinants have significant long-term impact on profitability. However, although size has significant impact on net interest margins, its impact on return on equity is insignificant. The results further suggest that capital and stock market capitalization pose risk to aggregate profitability of ABSA. It is therefore recommended that in future, ABSA should resort to optimal equity financing to maximize its expected profitability.
Sentimental Outlook for the Monetary Policies of South African Reserve Bank
Authors: Segawa Arnold
Published: October 2021

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) migrated to inflation targeting in 2000 and has since embarked on a trajectory of transparency. This has taken the shape of releasing Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) statements other forms of communication. This paper examines SARB’s MPC statements’ tone and sentiment between 2000 and 2021 using the Besigye-Segawa’s TextBlob polarity and subjectivity calculator which measures central bank communication tone and sentiment using the Loughran-McDonald dictionary’s word classification to gauge polarity and subjectivity. The study goes on to explore causality of SARB’s MPC statements’ tone and sentiment on inflation expectation results from the Bureau of Economic (BER) results survey. The systematic analysis shows a causality of SARB’s MPC statements’ tone and sentiment on succeeding BER’s inflation expectations results therein justifying the need for effective communication as SARB’s MPC communications’ polarity and subjectivity ultimately have a causal effect on inflation expectations. therein justifying the need for effective communication. As central bank tone and sentiment studies are only emerging in many emerging and frontier markets, this study lays a foundation for future exploration of effects of central bank communication on the expectations channel.
The Potential for Biases in Resolving Loan Problems
Authors: Brody Richard , Sokolowski Matias , White Reilly
Published: October 2021

This paper describes how behavioral biases influence the resolution of financial covenant violations. Prior literature documents that violation waivers are common; however, there is a lack of discussion on the determinants that lead loan officers to waive covenant violations. We rely on the escalation of commitment bias (or the sunk cost phenomenon) to discuss how loan officers may become attached to a selected course of action and fail to incorporate new information, increasing the likelihood of covenant waivers. We explain the implications of this bias on bank financial reports by detailing how accounting links loan quality to bank financial statements. We further draw on the psychology literature to offer potential solutions to mitigate overcommitment in the context of loan officers. Future research can examine the extent to which loan officers knowingly or unknowingly steer away from rational decision-making. This study has practical implications as users of bank financial reports, including investors, auditors, examiners, and bank managers, learn about processes and challenges on how accounting mechanics link bank loan portfolios to financial statements.
Analysis of Floating Rate Bonds and the Firm Characteristics
Authors: Tewari Manish , Ramanlal Pradipkumar
Published: October 2021

We examine the security and firm characteristics of a sample of 2,027 non-convertible investment grade floating rate securities (bonds) issued by the US based firms between 1980 and 2018. These bonds pay a coupon based on short term reference rate, such as fed funds rate, plus a fixed quoted margin. Considerable number (81.6%) of these issues are between 1992 and 2007 signifying floating rate as an effective mechanism to mitigate firm’s interest rate risk when the rates are high and expected to fall. A positive and significant abnormal return (CAR = 0.27%), in the event window surrounding issue date, provides strong evidence that the floating rate is viewed as a less restrictive provision as compared to the call option. Majority of the issues (89.3%) are non-callable since the floating rate mitigates interest rate risk for the issuing firm. Lack of put provision in these bonds (in only 7.35% of the sample issues) signifies no significant investor concerns of falling bond prices. Regression analysis reveals that firms with growth options and with higher leverage experience positive CAR due to the financial flexibility these bonds provide. Firms with higher level of information asymmetry benefits less from issuing these securities since most of these bonds (90.13%) are issued at par therefore, the price is not likely to carry information content that mitigates information asymmetry between the firms and the investors.
MEMÓRIAS DA GUERRILHA DO ARAGUAIA:
Authors: Figueiredo César Alessandro Sagrillo , Reis Naiane Vieira dos , Silva Luiza Helena Oliveira da , Sousa Paulo César Lucena de
Published: October 2021

Entrevista realizada com José Genoíno Neto, militante do PCdoB nos anos da ditadura civil-militar brasileira e que atuou na Guerrilha do Araguaia. A entrevista foi realizada por videoconferência em junho de 2020 por pesquisadores do GESTO (Grupo de Estudos do Sentido - Tocantins), vinculado à Universidade Federal do Tocantins. A temática central é a memória dos acontecimentos que tiveram como cenário o então norte de Goiás, hoje Tocantins, sul do Maranhão e sul do Pará, entre 1967, quando chegaram à região os primeiros militantes, e 1974 (quando as forças militares eliminaram os últimos combatentes).
Uncertain estimation-based motion-planning algorithms for mobile
robots
Authors: Gyenes Zoltán Bálint , Gincsainé Szádeczky-Kardoss Emese
Published: October 2021

Collision-free motion planning for mobile agents is a challenging task,
especially when the robot has to move towards a target position in a dynamic
environment. The main aim of this paper is to introduce motion-planning
algorithms using the changing uncertainties of the sensor-based data of
obstacles. Two main algorithms are presented in this work. The first is
based on the well-known velocity obstacle motion-planning method. In this
method, collision-free motion must be achieved by the algorithm using a
cost-function-based optimisation method. The second algorithm is an
extension of the often-used artificial potential field. For this study, it
is assumed that some of the obstacle data (e.g. the positions of static
obstacles) are already known at the beginning of the algorithm (e.g. from a
map of the enviroment), but other information (e.g. the velocity vectors of
moving obstacles) must be measured using sensors. The algorithms are tested
in simulations and compared in different situations.
A 3D head pointer: a manipulation method that enables the spatial
position and posture for supernumerary robotic limbs
Authors: Oh Joi , Kato Fumihiro , Yukiko Iwasaki , Iwata Hiroyasu
Published: October 2021

This paper introduces a novel interface ‘3D head pointer’ for the
operation of a wearable robotic arm in 3D space. The developed system is
intended to assist its user in the execution of routine tasks while
operating a robotic arm. Previous studies have demonstrated the difficulty a
user faces in simultaneously controlling a robotic arm and their own hands.
The proposed method combines a head-based pointing device and voice
recognition to manipulate the position and orientation as well as to switch
between these two modes. In a virtual reality environment, the position
instructions of the proposed system and its usefulness were evaluated by
measuring the accuracy of the instructions and the time required using a
fully immersive head-mounted display (HMD). In addition, the entire system,
including posture instructions with two switching methods (voice recognition
and head gestures), was evaluated using an optical transparent HMD. The
obtained results displayed an accuracy of 1.25 cm and 3.56° with the 20-s
time span necessary for communicating an instruction. These results
demonstrate that voice recognition is a more effective switching method than
head gestures.
VEGF receptor promotes hypoxia-induced hematopoietic progenitor proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Florentin Jonathan , O’Neil Scott P. , Vasamsetti Sathish Babu , Ohayon Lee L. , Arunkumar Anagha , Ghosh Samit , Boatz Jennifer C. , Sui Justin , Kliment Corrine R. , Chan Stephen Y. , Dutta Partha
Published: October 2021

Intermittent or chronic hypoxia is associated with morbidity and mortality in many diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respectively. We found exaggerated inflammation with heightened numbers of inflammatory leukocytes in these patients compared with age-matched controls. Chronically hypoxic mice exhibited similar trend and induced proliferation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC), precursors of inflammatory leukocytes. Consistently, a transcriptomic analysis of human HSPC exposed to hypoxic conditions revealed elevated expression of genes involved in progenitor mobilization. Additionally, bone marrow cells in mice under hypoxic conditions expressed high amount of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor (VEGFr) and its target genes in hypoxic conditions. In silico and ChIP experiments demonstrated that HIF-1⍺ binds to the promoter region of VEGFr. These results indicate that VEGF signaling in HSPC is an important mediator of their proliferation and differentiation in hypoxia-induced inflammation and represents a potential therapeutic target to prevent aberrant inflammation in hypoxia-associated diseases.
The Course of Biotinidase Activities After Neonatal Period in The Screened Newborns and Consequences of The Concordance With Their Genotypes.
Authors: Karaoglan Murat , Nacarkahya Gulper , Aytac Emel hatun , Keskin Mehmet
Published: October 2021

Background/aim: Biotinidase deficiency (BTD) is characterized by broad genotypic variants and unsteady biotinidase activity. Increasing enzyme activity and maturation throughout childhood. This study aims to reveal the course of biotinidase activities in a long-term follow-up period and concordance with their genotypes .Participants/Methods: A total of 1,773 biotinidase enzyme (BT) activity measurements were performed in 711 newborns with variants in the BTD gene over a 4-year follow-up period. Biochemical phenotyping was classified into four groups based on the highest measured enzyme activity level during the follow-up: Profound(≤10%), Partial(10.1-30%), Heterozygous(30.1-66.5%), and Normal(>66.6%). Results: The number of participants with BTD in the biochemical phenotype groups assigned based on the first measurement was 59, 217, 314, and 121 in the profound, partial, heterozygous, and normal groups respectively. Based on the highest measurement value during follow-up, the number and net changes of participants in groups were 22(-37), 95(-122), 333(+19), and 261(+140), respectively. The overall concordance between genotypes and biotinidase activities based on the highest measurement was 50.7%. A moderate correlation was found between the highest enzyme value and age (r=-0.573, p=0.002) in heterozygous plus normal biochemical phenotype groups in first months.Conclusion:This study shows that the biotinidase activities increase at a later age after neonatal period during long-term follow-up, and there is low concordance between the biochemical phenotype and their genotype. These findings indicate the important role of the monitoring the course of biotinidase enzyme activities for a longer period of time to determine the treatment decision.
Left Atrial Appendage Morphology and Function Show an Association with Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Simon Judit , Smit Jeff M. , Mahdiui Mohamed El , Száraz Lili , Rosendael Alexander R. van , Zsarnóczay Emese , Nagy Anikó Ilona , Kolossvary Márton , Szilveszter Bálint , Gellér László , Geest Rob J. van der , Bax Jeroen J. , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Merkely Béla
Published: October 2021

BackgroundWe aimed to correlate left atrial appendage (LAA) structure and function with the history of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsWe analyzed data of 649 patients with AF who were scheduled for catheter ablation. Patients underwent cardiac CT and transesophageal echocardiography prior to ablation. LAA morphologies depicted by cardiac CT were categorized into four groups: cauliflower, chicken wing, swan and windsock shapes. ResultsMean age was 61.3±10.5 years, 33.9% were female. Prevalence of stroke/TIA was 7.1%. After adjustment for the main risk factors, LAA flow velocity ≤35.3 cm/sec (OR=2.18; 95%CI=1.09-4.61; p=0.033) and swan LAA shape (OR=2.69; 95%CI=0.96-6.86; p=0.047) independently associated with higher, while windsock LAA morphology with lower risk of stroke/TIA (OR=0.32; 95%CI=0.12-0.77; p=0.017) as compared to cauliflower LAA shape. When comparing the differences between LAA morphology groups, we measured significantly smaller LAA orifice area (389.3±137.7 mm2 in windsock vs 428.3±158.9 ml in cauliflower, p=0.021) and LAA volume (7.4±3.0 mm2 in windsock vs 8.5±4.8 mm2 in cauliflower, p=0.012) in patients with windsock LAA morphology, while LAA flow velocity did not differ significantly. ConclusionReduced LAA function and swan LAA morphology were independently associated with higher, while windsock LAA shape with lower prevalence of stroke/TIA. When comparing the differences between the various LAA morphology types, significantly lower LAA volume and LAA orifice area were measured in windsock LAA shape as compared to cauliflower LAA shape.
Assessment of LSTM, Conv2D and ConvLSTM2D Prediction Models for Long-Term Wind Speed and Direction Regression Analysis
Authors: Olaofe Zaccheus
Published: October 2021

This paper assessed the model performance accuracies of 3 forecast-based architectures (Long Short-Term Memory, LSTM; Convolutional Neural Network, Conv2D and hybrid ConvLSTM2D) for multivariate inputs to multi-steps wind speed and direction forecasts. These high-level neural network-based architectures were setup with the Keras sequential models trained to learn the historical patterns from the processed weather input datasets. To build these forecast models, the sampled time series weather observations at different station heights were obtained and reshaped for network layer compatibility, while the Adamax algorithm for the network optimization was considered. The trained and evaluated model performances with different input data sequences (normalized/un-normalized) were assessed while the forecast results were also compared with the Actual and Conv1D models. Upon optimal network training, the Conv2D model returned MSE, MAE and RMSE estimated values of 0.82, 4.48 and 0.91 %, respectively; the LSTM model returned 1.03, 4.75 and 1.01 %; while the ConvLSTM2D model returned 2.11, 10.13 and 1.45 %, respectively. Also, Conv2D validated model values of 3.16, 14.73 and 1.77 % were obtained %, respectively; 3.21, 14.98 and 1.82, for the LSTM-based; while ConvLSTM2D model returned 3.27, 15.92 and 1.91 %, respectively. Studied finding results show that better prediction and evaluation could be achieved for all the trained model architectures as compared to the untrained models. Also, from the predicted model results, the Keras sequential models were found to be useful for replicating the time-series historical wind speed and direction based on the well-tuned model hyperparameters as well as the input sequence structure
Behaviour and Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer With Rare Metastatic Sites
Authors: Zuhdy Mohammad , Alghandour Reham , Hamdy Omar , Metwally Islam H
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Ovarian cancer is the commonest gynecologic malignancy in Egypt. Although metastasis from ovarian cancer is common, there are still sites with rarely reported deposits as non-regional nodes, bone, and brain. Methods: This is a chorort study were we retrospectively a group of patients over 7 years period recruited from the data system of a cancer centre. All the recruited patients suffered a rare distant metastasis from ovarian cancer. Results: Nearly half of the patients already had metastasis at the time of the initial presentation, while the rest developed during the disease course. Debulking was feasible in nearly half of the patients with long overall and progression-free survival. Tumours with non-regional nodal metastases tend to have excellent survival. Conclusion: we recommend offering these patients optimal debulking and considering those with a non-regional nodal spread as having a curable disease.
Communication Bridge™-2 (CB2): A NIH Stage 2 randomized control trial of a speech-language intervention for communication impairments in individuals with mild to moderate primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Roberts Angela C. , Rademaker Alfred W. , Salley Elizabeth , Mooney Aimee , Morhardt Darby , Fried-Oken Melanie , Weintraub Sandra , Mesulam Marsel , Rogalski Emily
Published: October 2021

Background : Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a clinical dementia syndrome. Impairments in language (speaking, reading, writing, and understanding) are the primary and persistent symptoms. These impairments progress insidiously and devastate communication confidence, participation, and quality of life for persons living with PPA. Currently, there are no effective disease modifying treatments for PPA. Speech-language interventions hold promise for mitigating communication challenges and language symptoms. However, evidence regarding their efficacy in PPA is of low quality and there are currently no rigorous randomized control trials. Method : Communication Bridge™-2 (CB2) is a Stage 2, superiority, single-blind, randomized, parallel group, active-control, behavioral clinical trial delivered virtually within a telehealth service delivery model to individuals with PPA. Ninety carefully characterized participants with clinically confirmed PPA will be randomized to one of two speech-language intervention arms: 1) Communication Bridge™ a dyadic intervention based in communication participation therapy models that incorporates salient training stimuli or 2) the control intervention a non-dyadic intervention based in impairment therapy models addressing word retrieval and language production that incorporates fixed stimuli. The superiority of Communication Bridge™ over the Control arm will be evaluated using primary outcomes of communication confidence and participation. Other outcomes include accuracy for trained words and scripts. Participants complete two therapy blocks over a 12-month period. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, at each therapy block, and at 12-months post enrollment. Discussion : The CB2 trial will supply Level 2 evidence regarding the efficacy of the Communication Bridge™ intervention delivered in a telehealth service delivery model for individuals with mild to moderate PPA. An important by-product of the CB2 trial is that these data can be used to evaluate the efficacy of speech-language interventions delivered in both trial arms for persons with PPA. The impact of these data should not be overlooked as they will yield important insights examining why interventions work and for whom, which will advance effectiveness trials for speech-language interventions in PPA. Trial Registration: The CB2 trial was registered prospectively with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03371706) on December 13, 2017. Registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03371706
Identification of Resistance of Guangxi Oryza Rufipogon to Sogatella Furcifera with Stem Evaluation Method
Authors: wang xuan , guo xinying , luo liang , teng kaichong , fang yaoyu , zhao neng , liu fang , qin baoxiang , luo jijing , li rongbai
Published: October 2021

White-backed planthopper (WBPH) is a devastating pest of rice, which significantly reduces production and causes millions of dollars in losses worldwide annually. Screening of germplasm resources with resistance to white-backed planthopper plays a crucial role in crop insect resistance breeding. In the present research, a total of 1080 accessions of Guangxi common wild rice(Oryza rufipogon) was screened for WBPH resistance through stem evaluation method (SEM). After preliminary screening, 49 resistance resources were identified, accounting for 4.54% of the total. After verified identification at the adult stage, 15 resistance resources with stable resistance to white-backed planthopper were finally obtained as resistant resources. The regional distribution analysis showed that the highest frequency of WBPH resistance resources appeared in Fusui county located in the upper reaches of Xijiang river(6.80%). Meanwhile, the highest frequency of the high resistance (HR and R) resources appeared in Pingnan located in lower reaches(2.79%). The 49 resistant accessions were genotyped for 43 SSR markers evenly distributed on the 12 chromosomes. The genetic diversity analysis showed a high polymorphism level of common wild rice populations. Fusui county possesses higher level of genetic diversity than the Yongning district and Pingnan county populations. The results from this study are essential to analyze resistance genes, cultivate insect-resistant varieties, and provide regional guidance for the exploration of resistance resources in the future.
A Selenamorpholine and Pyrimidine-based Redox-responsive Fluorescent Probe and Its Response Mechanism
Authors: Ma Tao , Li Yiyun , Ma Ling , Li Zhichun , Ma Wenbing , Yuan Changchun
Published: October 2021

A new type of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) fluorescent probe Pyrimidine-Se was synthesized from selenomorpholine and pyrimidinyl and the large Stokes shift (Δλ>140 nm) was exhibited. The fluorescence intensity of Pyrimidine-Se is very sensitive to pH, and its pKa value is 9.06. While the probe is reacted with H2O2, the selenomorpholine changes from Se (II) to Se (IV), which enhances the electron-withdrawing ability of the Pyrimidine-Se electron-withdrawing group. Based on this, the probe Pyrimidine-Se was used to detect H2O2 by the fluorescence spectrum. The detection limit of the probe Pyrimidine-Se was 1.3 µM. At the same time, we also found that Pyrimidine-Se displayed the reversibility back and forth between H2O2 and GSH. The reaction mechanism with H2O2 was verified by mass spectrometry and simulation on the Gaussian 09 program.
Urolithin A Inhibits Enterovirus 71 Replication and Promotes Autophagy and Apoptosis of Infected Cells in Vitro
Authors: Wang Shengyu , Qiao Junhua , Chen Yaping , Tian Langfei , Sun Xin
Published: October 2021

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a serious threat to the health of infants, which can be caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71). The clinical symptoms are mostly self-limited, but some of them develop into aseptic meningitis with poor prognosis and even death. In this study, we screened Urolithin A (UroA), an intestinal metabolite of ellagic acid, significantly inhibited the replication of EV71 in cells. Further evaluation showed that UroA was better than ribavirin in CC50, IC50 and selection index (SI). Moreover, we found that UroA inhibits the proliferation of EV71 by promoting autophagy and apoptosis of infected cells. Therefore, UroA is a candidate drug for the treatment of EV71 infection.
The Role of in-Person Support Groups in the Management of Urinary Incontinence in Women from a Mixed-Methods, Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Toma Gina , Carolan Alexandra , Buckner-Petty Skye , Vargas Laura , Wolter Christopher , Khan Aqsa
Published: October 2021

Background

To assess the feasibility and acceptability of in-person support groups as a potential intervention for female patients with urinary incontinence.
Methods

Women over the age of 18 seeking treatment for UI were randomized to standard care with support group participation or to standard care alone. All participants completed validated questionnaires at the beginning and conclusion of the study. Questionnaires were analyzed with repeated measures of ANOVA models in an intention-to-treat manner. Three moderated support group sessions were held and audio recorded. Recordings were transcribed and categorized by frequency into themes using grounded theory methodology.
Results

A total of 10 control and 8 intervention participants agreed to participate. Seven women attended all three support group sessions and were included in the final analysis. Transcripts from support group sessions observed women identified most with (1) urinary incontinence (UI) as a chronic disease, (2) shame managing UI, and (3) social constraints of toileting. Support participants self-reported appreciation of support group participation and desire for on-going sessions. Analysis of the questionnaires did not demonstrate statistically significant differences.
Conclusion

Data ascertained from questionnaires was unable to demonstrate a meaningful effect in improved treatment outcomes for control and intervention participants. Grounded theory analysis of transcripts identified four primary themes: (1) appreciation of the support group, (2) UI as a gendered issue, (3) lack of public awareness, and (4) history of negative provider interactions. All support group participants self-reported interest in attending future support group sessions.
Memantine for the Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pharmacological fMRI Study
Authors: Kawashima Shoji , Matsukawa Noriyuki , Group RCIP-Nagoya Study
Published: October 2021

Background:Mild cognitive impairment of Parkinson’s disease (PD-MCI) represents increased risk of future cognitive decline. The characteristics of PD-MCI are impairments in executive function and visuospatial recognition. The visuospatial n-back test has a merit that it can assess both cognitive domains. Concerning the treatment of PD-MCI and dementia in PD (PDD), many studies have reported efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors. Similarly, some studies reported efficacy of memantine for PDD, showing that it improved clinical status or behavioral symptoms. However, therapeutic evidence of memantine for PD-MCI has not been unestablished. Methods: We aimed to investigate whether memantine can alter brain function of the patients with PD-MCI, using functional MRI. In comparison between memantine and placebo, we explored the difference in regions associated with visuospatial n-back test. The 0-back test reflects visuospatial recognition, and the 1-back and 2-back tests reflect visuospatial working memory. This study followed a randomized double-blind crossover design. Patients in the memantine group were given memantine at 5 mg/day in the first week, and the dose was increased by 5 mg/day per week, with the final dose of 20 mg/day. The patients in the placebo group were given a placebo following the same regimen. The population in this study constitutes 10 patients who completed follow-up. During maximum dose administration, fMRI scanning and neuropsychological tests were performed. Group comparisons between memantine and placebo were performed.Results: There were no significant regions enhanced by memantine comparing with placebo at any load of n-back tests. In contrast, exploring regions reduced by memantine, we found significant reduction of activations within right lingual gyrus and left superior frontal gyrus in comparison between 2-back and 0-back test. A number of correct answers of the 2-back test and time to complete Trail Making Test-A were worse at memantine intervention. Reduced brain activations were associated with worse visuo-spatial working memory caused by memantine.Conclusions:This study reports memantine did not improve visuospatial working memory of the patients with PD-MCI. Treatment of PD should be planned carefully considering the impact for cognitive function. Further study is needed to establish new therapeutic strategy of the patients with PD-MCI.
Effect of Viewing Distance On Object Responses In Macaque Areas 45B, F5a And F5p
Authors: Caprara Irene , Janssen Peter
Published: October 2021

To perform tasks like grasping, the brain has to process visual object information so that the grip aperture can be adjusted before touching the object. Previous studies have demonstrated that the posterior subsector of the Anterior Intraparietal area (pAIP) is connected to area 45B, and its anterior counterpart (aAIP) to F5a. However, the role of area 45B and F5a in visually-guided grasping is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of area 45B, F5a and F5p in object processing during visually-guided grasping in two monkeys. If the presentation of an object activates a motor command related to the preshaping of the hand, as in F5p, such neurons should prefer objects presented within reachable distance. Conversely, neurons encoding a purely visual representation of an object – possibly in area 45B and F5a – should be less affected by viewing distance. Contrary to our expectations, we found that most neurons in area 45B were object- and viewing distance-selective (mostly Near-preferring). Area F5a showed much weaker object selectivity compared to 45B, with a similar preference for objects presented at the Near position. Finally, F5p neurons were less object selective and frequently Far-preferring. In sum, area 45B – but not F5p– prefers objects presented in peripersonal space.
The thickness of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) predicts the self-prioritization effect (SPE) on the interaction between spatial reference frames and spatial domains
Authors: Huang Jie , Tang Xiaoyu , Wang Aijun , Zhang Ming
Published: October 2021

Neuropsychological studies have demonstrated that the preferential processing of near-space and egocentric representation is associated with the self-prioritization effect (SPE). However, relatively little is known concerning whether the SPE is superior to the representation of egocentric frames or near-space processing in the interaction between spatial reference frames and spatial domains. The present study adopted the variant of the shape-label matching task (i.e., color-label) to establish an SPE, combined with a spatial reference frame judgment task, to examine how the SPE leads to preferential processing of near-space or egocentric representations. Surface-based morphometry analysis was also adopted to extract the cortical thickness of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) to examine whether it could predict differences in the SPE at the behavioral level. The results showed a significant SPE, manifested as the response of self-associated color being faster than that of stranger-associated color. Additionally, the SPE showed a preference for near-space processing, followed by egocentric representation. More importantly, the thickness of the vmPFC could predict the difference in the SPE on reference frames, particularly in the left frontal pole cortex and bilateral rostral anterior cingulate cortex. These findings indicated that the SPE showed a prior entry effect for information at the spatial level relative to the reference frame level, providing evidence to support the structural significance of the self-processing region. The present study also further clarified the priority in SPE processing and role of the SPE within the real spatial domain.
Serum Leukocyte Cell-derived Chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) Level is Associated with Osteoporosis
Authors: Wang Qiang , Xu Feng , He Wen-Ming M. , Chen Jiong , Xie Yan-Qing , Xu Su-Lin
Published: October 2021

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2), a hepatokine, is associated with obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is well known that hepatokines play important roles in mediating interactions among bone, adipose tissue, and liver. We sought to examine serum LECT2 levels in subjects with osteoporosis (OP) to confirm its association with OP.MethodsFrom March 2019 to March 2020, a total of 96 adult subjects (52 OP patients and 44 controls) visiting the 2nd Spine Department of the Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine of Ningbo University were recruited. The bone mineral density (BMD) of all subjects were assessed by dual-energy X-ray (DXA). Blood samples were collected for measurements of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), plasma glucose (PG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), creatinine and uric acid. Serum LECT2 levels of total 96 participants were measured by enzyme linked immunesorbent assay (ELISA). The relationships between serum LECT2 levels and biomedical parameters were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient.ResultsSerum LECT2 levels in OP patients were significantly higher than that of healthy controls (29.57 ng/mL VS 19.82 ng/mL, P < 0.01). To confirm the role LECT2 played in OP, we found a significantly negative correlation in all subjects between serum levels of LECT2 and lumbar BMD, as well as femoralneck BMD. A significantly positive correlation in all was observed between serum levels of LECT2 and TC, whereas there was a significantly negative correlation between serum levels of LECT2 and creatinine. Meanwhile, serum LECT2 levels were measured to diagnose OP patient by plotting receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the ROC curve was 0.729(P < 0.01). The optimal cutoff point for LECT2 concentration to diagnose OP patient was 16.44 ng/mL.ConclusionsWe showed that serum LECT2 levels were significantly up-regulated in OP patients, and LECT2 levels were significant positively associated with total cholesterol and negatively associated with creatinine. It could be a potential biomarker for OP diagnosis.
miR-1273h-5p Suppresses the Penetration and Pervasion of Gastric Cancer Cells via Suppressing CXCL12 Expression
Authors: Wang Yi-Chen , Lu Song , Zhou Xiao-Jiang , Yang Li , liu ping , Zhang Lan , Hu Yuan , Dong Xian-Zhe
Published: October 2021

Purpose: microRNAs (miRNAs), which may function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, have been verified in the development of breast carcinoma, melanoma, and some other tumors. The dysregulated miR-1273h-5p in tissue samples of gastric cancer (GC) may be involved in the progression of GC. The aim of this study was to verify the biological function of miR-1273h-5p in GC progression.Method: The differential expression of microRNAs between GC and tumor-adjacent normal tissues was detected by microarrays, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used for miR-1273h-5p and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) mRNA expressions. The effect of miR-1273h-5p on cell proliferation and apoptosis was evaluated by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry; cell migration and invasion were observed by using the transwell method. In addition, protein levels were determined by Western blot. SGC-7901 cell transfected gene sequences were injected into BALB/c-nu mice to establish a xenograft model in order to validate the biological function of miR-1273h-5p in vivo.Results: Compared to tumor-adjacent normal tissue and GES-1 cells, miR-1273h-5p was significantly down-regulated in tissues and cells of GC. The overexpression of miR-1273h-5p could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promote cell apoptosis; in contrast, inhibition of miR-1273h-5p expression could reverse this process. Moreover, a significant up-regulation of CXCL12 was observed when the miR-1273h-5p was down-regulated in GC cells. Additionally, tumor tissues were collected from mice after 21 days of feeding, revealing that miR-1273h-5p significantly reduces tumor volume and tumor weight. Conclusions: miR-1273h-5p regulates cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis during GC progression by directly binding to CXCL12 mRNA 3'-UTR, thus can be used as a potential diagnostic and a novel therapeutic target for GC in clinical practice.
Oldest Leaf-Mine Trace Fossil from East Asia and Stoichiometric Footprint: Insight Into Ancient Nutritional Flow in a Plant–Herbivore Interaction
Authors: Imada Yume , Oyama Nozomu , Shinoda Kenji , Takahashi Fumio , Yukawa Hirokazu
Published: October 2021

The Late Triassic saw a flourish of plant–arthropod interactions. By the Late Triassic, insects had developed all distinct strategies of herbivory, notably including some of the earliest occurrences of leaf-mining. Herein we describe exceptionally well-preserved leaf-mine trace fossils on a Cladophlebis fern pinnule from the Momonoki Formation, Mine Group, Japan (Middle Carnian), representing the oldest unequivocal leaf-mines from East Asia. The mines all display a distinctive frass trail – a continuous meandering line, which later becomes a broad blotch containing spheroidal particles – demonstrating larval development. The shapes of these mines generally resemble those of nepticuloid moths, although they are absent from extant fern-mining assemblages. Furthermore, elemental analyses by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) reveals that the frass trail comprises phosphate coprolites. The quantitative variations in P, S, and Si between coprolites and leaf veins may reflect physiological processes (consumption, absorption, and excretion) mediated by plant chemicals. Our findings reinforce the idea that leaf-mining had become a pervasive feeding strategy of herbivorous insects by the Late Triassic.
Healthcare Dilemma Towards Gift Giving by Patients
Authors:   Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah (PAPRSB) Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam, Zolkefli Yusrita
Published: October 2021

Gift giving is generally well-intentioned and graciously accepted to healthcare professionals but it is also one of the concerns that cause an ethical dilemma in health care. Is the gift giving ethically appropriate? Tangible guidance about how healthcare professionals would respond to gift giving is possibly scarce and non-specific. In cases where there is an absence of hospital policy specifying how to treat patients’ gifts, healthcare professionals may need to reflect several factors when addressing the dilemmas. This factor includes a reflection on the implications of responding to the gifts.
Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Diabetic Foot Infection in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lampung, Indonesia
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Universitas Lampung, Lampung, Indonesia, Darwis Iswandi ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Hi Abdul Moeloek Regional General Hospital, Lampung, Indonesia, Hidayat Hidayat ,   Department of Clinical Pathology, Dr Hi Abdul Moeloek Regional General Hospital, Lampung, Indonesia, Wisnu Gusti Ngurah P Pradnya ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Hi Abdul Moeloek Regional General Hospital, Lampung, Indonesia, Mentari Sekar ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Hi Abdul Moeloek Regional General Hospital, Lampung, Indonesia
Published: October 2021

Background: Diabetic foot infection (DFI) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and identification of the causative bacteria is an essential step in selecting the appropriate antibiotic therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the bacterial pattern and antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria causing DFI in Lampung Province in Indonesia. Methods: This study is a retrospective study reviewing the medical records of DFI patients admitted to the Dr Hi Abdul Moeloek Regional General Hospital in 2017–2019. DFI patients with complete medical record data were included in this study. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, wound culture and antibiotic susceptibility data were collected from the medical records using a short structural chart. The data obtained then reviewed. Results: In this study, 131 DFI patients met the study criteria and were included. Based on the wound culture results, Gram-negative bacteria were obtained in 112 (85.5%) subjects with Enterobacter spp. as the predominant bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria were found in 19 (14.5%) subjects with Staphylococcus spp. as the predominant bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria found in this study showed high susceptibility to amikacin, meropenem and sulbactam/cefoperazone. Meanwhile, the Gram-positive bacteria showed high susceptibility to meropenem, sulbactam/ cefoperazone and amikacin. Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed Enterobacter spp. as the most predominant bacteria causing DFI in the studied population. The highest antibiotic susceptibility was seen for amikacin, meropenem and sulbactam/cefoperazone.
Creating social entrepreneurship value for economic development
Authors: Yunanto Yogi , Suhariadi Fendy , Yulianti Praptini , Andajani Wiwiek , Subagyo
Published: October 2021

This study studies social entrepreneurial competencies, social values, and transformational leadership. They are a requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic. It arises to find out the effect of social entrepreneurship on social values and the influence of transformational leadership in memorizing the influence of social entrepreneurship on social values with a total of 200 respondents as social entrepreneurship leaders who have been announced in Indonesia. This study uses a quantitative method with a structural equation model (SEM) analysis tool in AMOS software. SEM analysis in this study uses the moderating SEM method with a mixed-methods approach. Data analysis has been carried out through data processing. The values obtained mean that higher social entrepreneurship will increase social value by 9.4%; if transformational leadership increases, a significance value of 0.85 is obtained. This value is greater than 0.05. It is proved that the role of social entrepreneurship fosters innovative abilities, proactive development, and the courage to take risks for the people in Indonesia and the impact of social values fosters social recognition, responsibility, and contribution to the economy with attitudes with potential transformational leadership behaviors as well as inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and consideration of the community. AcknowledgmentsThe author appreciates the contribution of all co-authors in preparing the data set.
¿Psicoanálisis y desarrollo? Aportes desde una perspectiva no lineal
Authors: Martínez Ariel
Published: October 2021

El presente artículo problematiza la relación entre psicoanálisis freudiano y la perspectiva del desarrollo lineal, determinista y teleológica. A pesar de las impregnaciones evolucionistas del contexto histórico en que Freud gesta sus ideas, se encuentran conceptos que muestran una fuerte ruptura con la idea de un despliegue guiado por el ritmo de etapas prefijadas por edades. Así se postula la a-temporalidad de los procesos inconscientes y la Nachträglichkeit a la luz de las perspectivas no lineales emergentes desde las ciencias de la complejidad. Finalmente, se reflexiona sobre una psique que, en su carácter abierto y complejo, contempla lo aleatorio, lo impredecible y el azar en su devenir, y se transforma mediante trabajo elaborativo simbólico del yo. Así, sólo la historización, nunca lineal, contempla lo nuevo como posibilidad de (re)constituir la historia pasada.
Chitosan Oligomer and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Treating
Wastewaters: US20190134086 Patent Evaluation
Authors: Valverde Fernanda Guimarães , Droppa-Almeida Daniela , Padilha Francine Ferreira
Published: October 2021

:

With the utilisation of algae, wastewater reuse is becoming a viable option
for the energy industry, especially green energy. The growth of these algae
in these wastewaters provides an alternative source for bioenergetics, however,
the growth of other microorganisms can directly affect the production of bioenergy,
requiring the removal and reduction of contaminants in these waters, in addition
to being a source of contamination for workers. Therefore, the use of nanoparticles
in bioremediation has been an alternative to mitigate the contamination
of these wastewaters that have microorganisms capable of reducing the algae
growth capacity. The objective of this work was to verify in the United States Patent
and Trademarker office database (USPTO) patents that used chitosan nanoparticles
as a form of wastewater treatment and to carry out the analysis of patent
US20190134086, which addresses the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles associated
with chitosan that was developed and used to evaluate their antibacterial activity
against resistant microorganisms and biofilm producers present in wastewater.
Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the
microorganisms involved in the evaluated invention, bacteria present in the gastrointestinal
tract, of clinical and environmental importance. The synthesized
nanoparticles are arranged as a pharmaceutically acceptable and toxic vehicle
against resistant bacteria, thus being described as nanoremediators. Given the analyzed
patent, it was possible to verify the importance of alternatives to reduce
the impact that pollution, in general, has on the environment, in addition to the
proposed technology serving to maintain the survival and development capacity
of the algae that will be able to produce green energy, the nanoparticles with
antibacterial potential can help indirectly reduce these pathogenic strains with resistance
to several antibiotics in the environment.