bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operational efficiency effects of blockchain technology implementation in firms
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Raihanul , Shiming Deng , Islam Mollah Aminul , Hossain Muhammed Zakir 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of blockchain technology on firms’ operational efficiency in the context of China.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use panel data for blockchain-based companies listed on stock exchanges in China (Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong) between 2014 and 2018. The operational efficiency of firms that deploy blockchain technology is evaluated using ordinary least squares and system generalized method of moments estimation.

Findings
Results suggest that companies’ current year performance exceeds the previous year performance because of blockchain deployment in firms’ operations. Firms with higher financial leverage and return on assets reap more benefits from blockchain. Larger and older firms benefit less from blockchain implementation. Stochastic frontier estimation suggests that, on average, firms attain a 57.76 per cent technical efficiency level, or, put differently, they operate 42.24 per cent below their maximum level of potential output.

Originality/value
Blockchain can benefit firms in terms of consensus, security and trust, spurring the evolution of a new form of organizational dynamics. This study explores the theory of transactional cost analysis under blockchain technology. In addition, this study hypothesizes and empirically demonstrates the significant impacts of blockchain technology on corporations’ operational efficiency, using audited, externally reported financial data. Industry professionals can reap benefits from this research by noticing the magnitude of changes in firms’ financial parameters attributable to blockchain adoption.
LncRNA XIST promotes chemoresistance of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin by sponging miR‐200c‐3p to upregulate ANLN
Authors: Zhang Min , Wang Feng , Xiang Zhen , Huang Teng , Zhou Wei‐Bing 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe resistance of breast cancer cells to drugs is a major obstacle to effective cancer chemotherapy. Here, we study the function mechanisms of long non‐coding RNA XIST in chemoresistance of breast cancer to doxorubicin. We examined the 50% inhibitive concentration of doxorubicin to MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐231/ADM cells, showing that the doxorubicin resistance of MDA‐MB‐231/ADM cells was much higher than MDA‐MB‐231 cells. The gene or protein expression of XIST and ANLN were also higher in MDA‐MB‐231/ADM cells than that in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Moreover, XIST overexpression promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of doxorubicin‐treated MDA‐MB‐231 cells by promoting ANLN expression. XIST silencing inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of doxorubicin‐treated MDA‐MB‐231/ADM cells by inhibiting ANLN expression. Luciferase reporter assay showed that XIST functioned as a competing endogenous RNA to repress miR‐200c‐3p, which controlled its downstream target ANLN. In conclusion, these data reveal that XIST promotes chemoresistance of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin by sponging miR‐200c‐3p to upregulate ANLN. This work explores the relationship between lncRNA XIST and doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer cells and highlights a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer.
Determining Line‐Crossing Sequences Between Laser Printing and Writing Pen Using Coaxial Light
Authors: Wu Xiang , Ouyang Guoliang , Li Biao , Cui Lan , Zhou Guanglei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDetermining the application sequence of hand‐written pen ink and printer toner lines has attracted significant interest in questioned document examination. This study uses coaxial light to determine line‐crossing sequences, with intersections observed under a VSC600 forensic document workstation and a Leica M205A Stereo‐microscope. Results show that reflected light at intersections and color contrast between intersections and nonintersections was observed when a hand‐written ink line passes over a toner line, while a toner line passing over a written line appeared dull, with no color contrast. The procedure was tested under a range of conditions, such as types of writing pens and laser printers, the writer, and writing pressure, with the latter playing an important role in the evaluation. To validate the results, a 90% detection rate and 98% accuracy rate were achieved from 50 samples of blind testing, which is more effective than optical microscopy.
Influence of the spacer region between the Shine–Dalgarno box and the start codon for fine‐tuning of the translation efficiency in Escherichia coli
Authors: Komarova Ekaterina S. , Chervontseva Zoya S. , Osterman Ilya A. , Evfratov Sergey A. , Rubtsova Maria P. , Zatsepin Timofei S. , Semashko Tatiana A. , Kostryukova Elena S. , Bogdanov Alexey A. , Gelfand Mikhail S. , Dontsova Olga A. , Sergiev Petr V. 
Published: March 2020

SummaryTranslation efficiency contributes several orders of magnitude difference in the overall yield of exogenous gene expression in bacteria. In diverse bacteria, the translation initiation site, whose sequence is the primary determinant of the translation performance, is comprised of the start codon and the Shine–Dalgarno box located upstream. Here, we have examined how the sequence of a spacer between these main components of the translation initiation site contributes to the yield of synthesized protein. We have created a library of reporter constructs with the randomized spacer region, performed fluorescently activated cell sorting and applied next‐generation sequencing analysis (the FlowSeq protocol). As a result, we have identified sequence motifs for the spacer region between the Shine–Dalgarno box and AUG start codon that may modulate the translation efficiency in a 100‐fold range.
Mucus characterisation in the Octopus vulgaris skin throughout its life cycle
Authors: González‐Costa Alba , Fernández‐Gago Raquel , Carid Sofía , Molist Pilar 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe development of the epidermis of octopus, Octopus vulgaris, throughout its life cycle was studied by conventional staining and histochemical techniques using lectins. The mantle, the arm and the two parts of the suckers: the infundibulum and the acetabulum were analysed independently. With the exception of the suckers, the general morphology of the epidermis does not vary from the first days post‐hatching to adulthood. In general terms, histochemical techniques do not indicate changes in the composition of glycoconjugates of the epidermis main cells, epithelial and secretory cells. The epithelial cells of the mantle and arm show positivity for mannose (ConA+) in their apical portions, indicating the presence of n‐glycoproteins that, among other things, provide lubrication to the surface of the body. In the suckers, the apical surface of the infundibulum contains sulphated glycosaminoglycans of the N‐acetylglucosamine type that provide adhesive properties. In addition to observing three types of mucocytes, m1 and m2 are characteristic of the mantle and arm, and m3 is found in the suckers. The paralarva epidermis is characterised by the presence of Kölliker's organs whose exact function is unknown. In this study, the absence of staining with alcian blue/periodic acid–Schiff(AB/PAS) prevents the possibility of attributing a secretory function. Nevertheless, the linkage of three lectins (WGA, LEL and GSL‐I) in the fascicle of the organ suggests the presence of proteoglycans rich in N‐acetylglucosamine that would mainly have a structural role.
Effect of antithyroid antibodies on women with recurrent miscarriage: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Jilai , Jiang Lihong , Sadhukhan Annapurna , Yang Songqing , Yao Qiuping , Zhou Ping , Rao Jinpeng , Jin Min 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProblemThe effect of thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) on the prevalence of recurrent miscarriage (RM) is highly debatable. No meta‐analysis has been published in the past decade to investigate the impact of TAI on women with RM.Method of StudySystemic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. English language literatures published between 1993 and 2019 were selected. We assessed the relationship between the prevalence of RM and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO‐Ab) or antithyroid antibodies (ATA) and evaluated the thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) level in TPO‐Ab‐positive women with RM. We also observed the treatment effect with levothyroxine (LT4) for RM. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to obtain the pooled odds ratios (OR).ResultsAnalysis of 22 eligible studies revealed significant association between TPO‐Ab and the prevalence of RM (OR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.38 to 2.49; P < .001)(n ≥ 3), (OR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.92; P = .01) (n ≥ 3). Women with ATA + had higher risk of RM (OR = 2.36; 95% CI, 1.71 to 3.25; P < .00001)(n ≥ 3), (OR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.70 to 3.22; P < .00001)(n ≥ 2). RM women with TPO‐Ab had higher TSH level when compared with those negative for TPO‐Ab (random‐effect SMD = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.90; P < .0001). We also found beneficial effects of LT4 supplementation on the outcome of live birth rate (LBR) among pregnant women with TPO‐Ab (OR = 3.04; 95% CI, 0.69 to 13.36; P = .14).ConclusionThe presence of serum antithyroid antibodies does harms to women and can even lead to recurrent miscarriage; LT4 treatment may have beneficial to RM women.
Long‐term outcome of descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) following failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK)
Authors: Schrittenlocher Silvia , Schlereth Simona L. , Siebelmann Sebastian , Hayashi Takahiko , Matthaei Mario , Bachmann Björn , Cursiefen Claus 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposeTo assess the long‐term outcome of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) following failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK).MethodsRetrospective review of 1840 consecutive DMEK surgeries from the prospective Cologne DMEK database performed between 07/2011 and 08/2017 at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne.ResultsFifty‐two eyes received a DMEK surgery after failed PK. Main indications for initial PK were Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (23.1%), keratoconus and herpetic keratitis (each 15.4%). Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 3, 6 and 12 months was 0.72 ± 0.39 (n = 33), 0.56 ± 0.36 (n = 32) and 0.38 ± 0.28 (n = 23), respectively. Two‐ and 3‐year BCVA was 0.37 ± 0.21 (n = 21) and 0.32 ± 0.18 (n = 10). Mean improvement in visual outcome in logMAR lines was +4.3 ± 3.4 at 6 months, +5.0 ± 3.6 at 12 months, +6.0 ± 2.3 at 24 months and +5.4 ± 2.7 at 36 months, respectively. 59.6% received at least one rebubbling and 40.4% did not necessitate a rebubbling. Endothelial cell density (ECD)‐decrease at 6 months was 36% (n = 17), 37% at 12 months (n = 17), 40% at 2 years (n = 8) and 32% at 3 years (n = 2). 34.6% of transplants needed a regraft.ConclusionDescemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is a feasible treatment option after failed PK having a relatively good long‐term outcome.
Nasal high flow therapy introduction lowers reintubation risk in a Peruvian paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Nielsen Katie R. , Becerra María R. , Mallma Gabriela , Ellington Laura E. , Onchiri Frankline , Roberts Joan S. , Zunt Joseph , Tantaleán da Fieno José 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimWe examined the impact of introducing high‐flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNT) on children under five with post‐extubation respiratory failure in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Peru.MethodsThis quasi‐experimental study compared clinical outcomes before and after initial HFNT deployment in the PICU at Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño in Lima in June 2016. We compared three groups: 29 received post‐extubation HFNT and 17 received continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) from 2016‐17 and 12 historical controls received CPAP from 2012‐16. The primary outcome was the need for mechanical ventilation. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated via survival analysis.ResultsHigh‐flow nasal oxygen therapy and CPAP did not alter the need for mechanical ventilation after extubation (aHR 0.47, 95% CI 0.15‐1.48 and 0.96, 95% CI 0.35‐2.62, respectively) but did reduce the risk of reintubation (aHR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06‐0.57 and 0.14, 95% CI 0.03‐0.72, respectively). PICU length of stay was 11, 18 and 37 days for CPAP, HFNT and historical CPAP and mortality was 12%, 7% and 27%, respectively. There was no effect on the duration of sedative infusions.ConclusionHigh‐flow nasal oxygen therapy provided effective support for some children, but larger studies in resource‐constrained settings are needed.
Systematic review of COVID‐19 in children shows milder cases and a better prognosis than adults
Authors: Ludvigsson Jonas F. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has affected hundreds of thousands of people. Data on symptoms and prognosis in children are rare.MethodsA systematic literature review was carried out to identify papers on COVID‐19, which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), using the MEDLINE and Embase databases between January 1 and March 18, 2020.ResultsThe search identified 45 relevant scientific papers and letters. The review showed that children have so far accounted for 1%‐5% of diagnosed COVID‐19 cases, they often have milder disease than adults and deaths have been extremely rare. Diagnostic findings have been similar to adults, with fever and respiratory symptoms being prevalent, but fewer children seem to have developed severe pneumonia. Elevated inflammatory markers were less common in children, and lymphocytopenia seemed rare. Newborn infants have developed symptomatic COVID‐19, but evidence of vertical intrauterine transmission was scarce. Suggested treatment included providing oxygen, inhalations, nutritional support and maintaining fluids and electrolyte balances.ConclusionsThe coronavirus disease 2019 has occurred in children, but they seemed to have a milder disease course and better prognosis than adults. Deaths were extremely rare.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis: efficacy and safety of early biologic treatment in adult and paediatric patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Ungaro Ryan C , Aggarwal Saurabh , Topaloglu Ozlem , Lee Wan‐Ju , Clark Ryan , Colombel Jean‐Frederic 
Published: March 2020

SummaryBackgroundThere is an increasing body of evidence showing that earlier use of biologics improves clinical outcomes in Crohn's disease (CD).AimTo perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the impact of early biologic use in the treatment of CD.MethodsPubMed and Embase databases were searched for English language papers and conference abstracts published through April 30, 2019. Studies were selected for inclusion if patients initiated biologics within 2 years of a CD diagnosis or if earlier biologics use (top‐down) was compared with a conventional step‐up strategy. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted to compare clinical remission (CR), relapse and endoscopic healing rates between early biologic treatment (<2 years of disease duration or top‐down treatment strategy) and late/conventional treatment (biologic use after >2 years of disease duration or conventional step‐up treatment strategy).ResultsA total of 3069 records were identified, of which 47 references met the selection criteria for systematic review. A total of 18 471 patients were studied, with a median follow‐up of 64 weeks (range 10‐416). Meta‐analysis found that early use of biologics was associated with higher rates of clinical remission (OR 2.10 [95% CI: 1.69‐2.60], n = 2763, P < .00001), lower relapse rates (OR 0.31 [95% CI: 0.14‐0.68], n = 596, P = .003) and higher mucosal healing rates (OR 2.37 [95% CI: 1.78‐3.16], n = 994, P < .00001) compared with late/conventional management.ConclusionsEarly biologic treatment is associated with improved clinical outcomes in both adult and paediatric CD patients, not only in prospective clinical trials but also in real‐world settings.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs but not aspirin are associated with a lower risk of post‐colonoscopy colorectal cancer
Authors: Cheung Ka Shing , Chen Lijia , Chan Esther W. , Seto Wai Kay , Wong Ian C.K. , Leung Wai K. 
Published: March 2020

SummaryBackgroundAlthough nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, their role in preventing post‐colonoscopy CRC (PCCRC) remains undetermined.AimsTo investigate whether NSAIDs reduce PCCRC risk after a negative baseline colonoscopyMethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study based on a territory‐wide healthcare database of Hong Kong. All patients (aged 40 or above) who underwent colonoscopies between 2005 and 2013 were identified. Exclusion criteria included CRC detected within 6 months of index colonoscopy, prior CRC, inflammatory bowel disease and prior colectomy. The primary outcome was PCCRC‐3y diagnosed between 6 and 36 months after index colonoscopy. Sites of CRC were categorised as proximal (proximal to splenic flexure) and distal. The adjusted hazards ratio (aHR) of PCCRC‐3y with NSAID and aspirin use (defined as cumulative use for ≥90 days within 5 years before index colonoscopy) was derived by propensity score (PS) regression adjustment of 22 covariates (including patient factors, concurrent medication use and endoscopy centre's performance).ResultsOf 187 897 eligible patients, 21 757 (11.6%) were NSAID users. 854 (0.45%) developed PCCRC‐3y (proximal cancer: 147 [17.2%]). NSAIDs were associated with a lower PCCRC‐3y risk (aHR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.41‐0.70), but not CRC that developed >3 years (aHR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.56‐1.09). The aHR was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.24‐0.95) for proximal and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.40‐0.74) for distal cancer. A duration‐ and frequency response relationship was observed (Ptrend < 0.001). For aspirin, the aHR was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.80‐1.28).ConclusionsNon‐aspirin NSAIDs were associated with lower PCCRC risk after a negative baseline colonoscopy.
Micro‐ and macro‐morphology of the olfactory organ of Syngnathus typhle (Syngnathidae, Actinopterygii)
Authors: Dymek Jakub , Rosenqwist Gunilla , Kuciel Michał , Lauriano Eugenia Rita , Capillo Gioele , Zaccone Giacomo , Żuwała Krystyna 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHerein, we describe the micro‐ and macro‐morphology of the olfactory organ in broad‐nosed pipefish (Syngnathus typhle) with a comparison of this organ between males and females during breeding season. With 8 adult males, 8 females, and 7 pregnant males collected during the breeding season from the Baltic sea as our samples, our research was conducted using light and electron (TEM, SEM) microscopes and immunohistochemistry methods to distinguish the olfactory sensory neurons. The interior of the olfactory chamber lacked an olfactory rosette. Instead, olfactory receptor epithelium covered the inner walls of the olfactory chamber and, to varying degrees, the inside of the anterior and posterior nostrils. All types of olfactory sensory neurons (ciliated, microvillus, and crypt) were present within the olfactory sensory epithelium, although the crypt sensory neurons were limited to the pregnant and non‐pregnant males). The olfactory sensory neurons were present in the areas where the density of the non‐sensory epithelium cells was reduced. No significant differences in morphology of the olfactory organ between sexes were found. Nevertheless, only in males crypt sensory neurons were presented in olfactory epithelium, which indicates that sense of smell could play a little role during mating.
Amelioration of elastase‐induced lung emphysema and reversal of pulmonary hypertension by pharmacological iNOS inhibition in mice
Authors: Fysikopoulos Athanasios , Seimetz Michael , Hadzic Stefan , Knoepp Fenja , Wu Cheng‐Yu , Malkmus Kathrin , Wilhelm Jochen , Pichl Alexandra , Bednorz Mariola , Tadele Roxlau Elsa , Ghofrani Hossein A. , Sommer Natascha , Gierhardt Mareike , Schermuly Ralph T. , Seeger Werner , Grimminger Friedrich , Weissmann Norbert , Kraut Simone 
Published: March 2020

Background and PurposeChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, encompassing chronic airway obstruction and lung emphysema, is a major worldwide health problem and a severe socio‐economic burden. Evidence previously provided by our group has shown that inhibition of inducible NOS (iNOS) prevents development of mild emphysema in a mouse model of chronic tobacco smoke exposure and can even trigger lung regeneration. Moreover, we could demonstrate that pulmonary hypertension is not only abolished in cigarette smoke‐exposed iNOS−/− mice but also precedes emphysema development. Possible regenerative effects of pharmacological iNOS inhibition in more severe models of emphysema not dependent on tobacco smoke, however, are hitherto unknown.Experimental ApproachWe have established a mouse model using a single dose of porcine pancreatic elastase or saline, intratracheally instilled in C57BL/6J mice. Emphysema, as well as pulmonary hypertension development was determined by both structural and functional measurements.Key ResultsOur data revealed that (i) emphysema is fully established after 21 days, with the same degree of emphysema after 21 and 28 days post instillation, (ii) emphysema is stable for at least 12 weeks and (iii) pulmonary hypertension is evident, in contrast to smoke models, only after emphysema development. Oral treatment with the iNOS inhibitor N(6)‐(1‐iminoethyl)‐l‐lysine (L‐NIL) was started after emphysema establishment and continued for 12 weeks. This resulted in significant lung regeneration, evident in the improvement of emphysema and reversal of pulmonary hypertension.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur data indicate that iNOS is a potential new therapeutic target to treat severe emphysema and associated pulmonary hypertension.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Risk factors, comorbidities, and comedications in cardioprotection. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.1/issuetoc
The long road from performing word sense disambiguation to successfully using it in information retrieval: An overview of the unsupervised approach
Authors: Hristea Florentina , Colhon Mihaela 
Published: March 2020

SummaryThe issue of whether or not word sense disambiguation (WSD) can improve information retrieval (IR) results has been intensely debated over the years, with many inconclusive or contradictory results and a majority of skeptical opinions. All three classes of WSD methods (supervised, unsupervised, and knowledge‐based) have been considered by the literature with respect to IR. We hereby survey the unsupervised approach which, although relatively rarely used, has provided positive results at a large scale. Unsupervised WSD has already made proof of its utility in IR and it is our belief that it still holds a promise for this field. The two main existing types of unsupervised methods for IR, which are of completely different natures, are presented, within the scientific context in which they were born, and are compared. Regardless of the gap in time between these central approaches, we are of the opinion that the unsupervised solution to the discussed problem remains the most significant for IR applications. By surveying what we consider the most promising existing approach to usage of WSD in IR, and by discussing its possible extensions, we hope to stimulate continuation of this line of research, possibly at an even more successful level.