bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intellectual capital performance in the financial sector: Evidence from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Imran , Tan Yong , Nazir Muhammad Rizwan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIt is no doubt that successful organizations tend to be those that persistently innovate, believing on new technologies and emphasizing on abilities and knowledge of their employees. Knowledge has become one of the most imperative intangible assets of financial institutions in recent years. The aspiring organizations have recognized that Intellectual Capital Efficiency is important in promoting the performance of financial institutions. This paper tests the relationship between intellectual capital and performance using a sample of 76 financial institutions from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan over the period 2006–2016. The results show that intellectual capital efficiency has a significant and positive impact on the profitability of financial institutions, while human capital and structural capital are not significantly related to the performance of financial institutions in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The present research extends the knowledge of intellectual capital between managers, academicians, and highlights its contribution to the value creation. These results determine that the financial institutions need to emphasize on the elements of intellectual capital, to enhance the best financial performances in these countries.
The near‐infrared autofluorescence fingerprint of the brain
Authors: Lifante José , del Rosal Blanca , Chaves‐Coira Irene , Fernández Nuria , Jaque Daniel , Ximendes Erving 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe brain is a vital organ involved in most of the central nervous system disorders. Their diagnosis and treatment require fast, cost‐effective, high‐resolution and high‐sensitivity imaging. The combination of a new generation of luminescent nanoparticles and imaging systems working in the second biological window (near‐infrared II [NIR‐II]) is emerging as a reliable alternative. For NIR‐II imaging to become a robust technique at the preclinical level, full knowledge of the NIR‐II brain autofluorescence, responsible for the loss of image resolution and contrast, is required. This work demonstrates that the brain shows a peculiar infrared autofluorescence spectrum that can be correlated with specific molecular components. The existence of particular structures within the brain with well‐defined NIR autofluorescence fingerprints is also evidenced, opening the door to in vivo anatomical imaging. Finally, we propose a rational selection of NIR luminescent probes suitable for low‐noise brain imaging based on their spectral overlap with brain autofluorescence.
Upregulation of cyclin D1 can act as an independent prognostic marker for longer survival time in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yijun , Liu Qingluan , Wang Zhicheng , Chen Meilin , Chen Yi , Li Xiayu , Huang Donghai , Fan Songqing , Xiong Wei , Li Guiyuan , Zhang Wenling 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundCyclin D1 is an essential part of oncogenic transformation. We previously proved that cyclin D1 was upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and promoted the NPC cell proliferation. But the association between cyclin D1 and the clinical outcome of NPC has not yet been determined. The study explores the possible relevance between the cyclin D1 expression and clinical parameters and its predictive value of prognosis in NPC patients.MethodsWe analyzed the clinical data from 379 NPC patients and 112 non‐NPC patients in our previous study, which made further statistics. Receiver operating curve (ROC) was applied to select the optimal cutoff points. By analyzing the clinical data from 101 NPC patients using Chi‐squared test, we estimated the relationship between the cyclin D1 expression level and clinicopathological parameters. We also used Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test assess and compared the disease‐free survival (DFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate. The Cox proportional hazards model was adopted to perform the univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultReceiver operating curve analysis reported that cyclin D1 was used to differentiate between NPC patients and non‐NPC patients (P < .001, sensitivity: 53.6%, specificity: 85.7%, AUC = 0.752). Cyclin D1 was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = .015). A survival analysis of the 101 NPC patients indicated that the positive expression of cyclin D1 was predictive of a good prognosis (DFS: P = .010, OS: P = .019). Multivariate analysis showed that cyclin D1 could be used independently to predict NPC patients' prognosis (DFS: P = .038).ConclusionThe overexpression of cyclin D1 is a good prognostic marker for NPC.
Effects of prebiotic consumption on serum intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein levels in patients with diabetes: A case‐control study
Authors: Hou Yi‐Cheng , Lai Chien‐Wen , Cheng Ching‐Feng , Lin Yi‐Ying , Hsieh Tsung‐Han , Hui Wu Jing , Tzeng I‐Shiang , Kuo Chan‐Yen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a condition involving several molecular mechanisms related to the intestinal microbiota for its development. Intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein (I‐FABP) is a sensitive marker to study enterocyte damage. A prebiotic is a non‐digestible food ingredient that improves host health by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activities of bacteria in the colon. We aimed to clarify the currently described effects of prebiotics in the prevention and management of T2DM.MethodsIn this case‐control study, we chose 68 participants with T2DM and 52 healthy participants. Both groups were further divided based on consumption of prebiotics. Forty participants with T2DM consumed prebiotics, and 28 did not; 30 healthy volunteers consumed prebiotics, and 22 did not. We used the analysis of variance to compare the inflammation levels between the case and control groups. Multiple linear regression was performed for the significantly correlated groups to estimate the influence of prebiotics on inflammation level.ResultsAge was a significant factor for difference in I‐FABP levels (standardized coefficient: 0.06; P = .047). The analysis of eating habits showed that vegetarian diets produced lower I‐FABP levels than non‐vegetarian diets (standardized coefficient: −2.55; P = .022). Results showed that patients with T2DM who consumed prebiotics expressed lower I‐FABP levels, reflecting an improvement in inflammation level, than the healthy volunteers who did not consume prebiotics (standardized coefficient: −3.20; P = .019).ConclusionsFor patients with T2DM, prebiotics supplemented produced no significant impact on serum I‐FABP levels.
Using photovoice to increase social inclusion of people with disabilities: Reflections on the benefits and challenges
Authors: Labbé Delphine , Mahmood Atiya , Routhier François , Prescott Mike , Lacroix Émilie , Miller William C. , Mortenson W. Ben 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to understand the mobility experiences of mobility device users regarding the environmental and social barriers and facilitators in their community and to discuss the benefits and challenges of using photovoice, as a participatory methodology, to increase social participation for people with disabilities. Photovoice was used with mobility device users (n = 70) in two different locations in Canada. The participants took pictures for two weeks and then participated in individual interviews and focus group sessions to discuss their photographs. The participants took over 1,000 pictures that were grouped into five themes around social participation and accessibility. They chose the most illustrative pictures to share in an exhibit to create a dialogue with different stakeholders. Using photovoice offered many benefits such as allowing the participants to be equal partners of the research and made their voices heard, but also presented disability and study‐related challenges.
Seeds of change: A qualitative case study of a neighborhood youth program
Authors: Roberts Lindsey T. , Stein Catherine , Tompsett Carolyn J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEven within economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, programs fostering protective factors can shape youth outcomes. One positive youth development (PYD) program— Seeds of Change—employs teenagers in an urban neighborhood in Ohio and uses goats and community gardens to promote adolescent development. The current study used semi‐structured interviews with adolescents (N  =  7, ages 16–20) to conduct a case study of the program. The case study describes youth's perceptions of the neighborhood, the program, and future directions; responses were analyzed using content analysis. Youth described that Seeds of Change enacts change on multiple levels of the social ecology by emphasizing individual growth, building a social support system with peers and adults, and increasing both tangible resources and positive relationships throughout the neighborhood. Seeds of Change promotes positive socialization, increases resources, and embodies multiple elements of effective PYD programming.
Virodhamine, an endocannabinoid, induces megakaryocyte differentiation by regulating MAPK activity and function of mitochondria
Authors: Sharma Durga Shankar , Raghuwanshi Sanjeev , Kovuru Narasaiah , Dahariya Swati , Gautam Dushyant Kumar , Paddibhatla Indira , Gutti Ravi Kumar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEndocannabinoids are well‐known regulators of neurotransmission by activating the cannabinoid (CB) receptors. Endocannabinoids are being used extensively for the treatment of various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Although endocannabinoids are well studied in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation in various neurological disorders and several cancers, the functional role in the regulation of blood cell development is less examined. In the present study, virodhamine, which is an agonist of CB receptor‐2, was used to examine its effect on megakaryocytic development from a megakaryoblastic cell. We observed that virodhamine increases cell adherence, cell size, and cytoplasmic protrusions. Interestingly, we have also observed large nucleus and increased expression of megakaryocytic marker (CD61), which are the typical hallmarks of megakaryocytic differentiation. Furthermore, the increased expression of CB2 receptor was noticed in virodhamine‐induced megakaryocytic cells. The effect of virodhamine on megakaryocytic differentiation could be mediated through CB2 receptor. Therefore, we have studied virodhamine induced molecular regulation of megakaryocytic differentiation; mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, mitochondrial function, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were majorly affected. The altered mitochondrial functions and ROS production is the crucial event associated with megakaryocytic differentiation and maturation. In the present study, we report that virodhamine induces megakaryocytic differentiation by triggering MAPK signaling and ROS production either through MAPK effects on ROS‐generating enzymes or by the target vanilloid receptor 1‐mediated regulation of mitochondrial function.
The expanding role of CDR1‐AS in the regulation and development of cancer and human diseases
Authors: Azari Hanieh , Mousavi Pegah , Karimi Elham , Sadri Fatemeh , Zarei Mahboobeh , Rafat Milad , Shekari Mohammad 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCircRNAs are a superabundant and highly conserved group of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are characterized by their high stability and integrity compared with linear forms of ncRNAs. Recently, their critical role in gene expression regulation has been shown; thus, it is not far‐fetched to believe that their abnormal expression can be a cause of different kinds of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune diseases. They can have a function in variety of biological processes such as microRNA (miRNA) sponging, interacting with RNA‐binding proteins, or even an ability to translate to proteins. A huge challenge in finding diagnostic biomarkers is finding noninvasive biomarkers that can be detected in human fluids, especially blood samples. CircRNAs are becoming candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of these diseases through their ability to transverse from the blood‐brain barrier and their broad presence in circulating exosomes. The circRNA for miRNA‐7 (ciRS‐7) is newly recognized, and acknowledged to being related to human pathology and cancer progression. In this review, we first briefly summarize the latest studies about their characteristics, biogenesis, and their mechanisms of action in the regulation and development of human diseases. Finally, we provide a list of diseases that are linked to one member of this novel class of ncRNAs called ciRS‐7.
The Hippo in the room: Targeting the Hippo signalling pathway for osteosarcoma therapies
Authors: Rothzerg Emel , Ingley Evan , Mullin Benjamin , Xue Wei , Wood David , Xu Jiake 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOsteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumour which usually occurs in children and adolescents. OS is primarily a result of chromosomal aberrations, a combination of acquired genetic changes and, hereditary, resulting in the dysregulation of cellular functions. The Hippo signalling pathway regulates cell and tissue growth by modulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration in developing organs. Mammalian STE20‐like 1/2 (MST1/2) protein kinases are activated by neurofibromatosis type 2, Ras association domain family member 2, kidney and brain protein, or other factors. Interactions between MST1/2 and salvador family WW domain‐containing protein 1 activate large tumour suppressor kinase 1/2 proteins, which in turn phosphorylate the downstream Yes‐associated protein 1/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (YAP/TAZ). Moreover, dysregulation of this pathway can lead to aberrant cell growth, resulting in tumorigenesis. Interestingly, small molecules targeting the Hippo signalling pathways, through affecting YAP/TAZ cellular localisation and their interaction with members of the TEA/ATTS domain family of transcriptional enhancers are being developed and hold promise for the treatment of OS. This review discusses the existing knowledge about the involvement of the Hippo signalling cascade in OS and highlights several small molecule inhibitors as potential novel therapeutics.
Biodegradation kinetic studies and optimization for the elimination of azoic and triphenylmethane dyes using an integrated process combining biological treatment and gliding arc plasma
Authors: Njiki Alain , Kamgang‐Youbi Georges , Nola Moïse , Laminsi Samuel 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe discharge of liquid textile effluents remains a major concern for the ecosystem. The combination of glidarc plasma and biological treatment is an excellent technique that overcomes the disadvantages of each method used separately, but the kinetics of degradation and the energetic studies are poorly known. This study reports on the optimization of the kinetics of biodegradation of Bismark brown (BB) and crystal violet (CV) dyes using an integrated process.RESULTSThe biodegradation of BB and CV by a bacterium model Aeromonas hydrophila followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. The prior exposure of dyes to glidarc treatment for t* (5, 10, and 15 min) did not modify the biodegradation kinetic model but the rate constants were significantly improved according to the linear relationships: k(h−1) = 0.017 × t*(min) + 0.006 for BB and k(h−1) = 0.052 × t*(min)−0.124 for CV. Otherwise, the total removal of the BB and CV by the plasma alone required a specific energy of 10.22 and 4.80 kWh g−1, respectively; whereas, using the coupled process, it was 1.64 and 1.20 kWh g−1. A large part of the electric energy injected due to the plasma process alone was thus saved.CONCLUSIONThe integrated glidarc/biodegradation process significantly reduces the energy cost of the disposal of textile effluents by accelerating their kinetic rates. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Histomorphological investigation of intrahepatic connective tissue for surgical anatomy based on modern computer imaging analysis
Authors: Ikeda Tetsuo , Okano Shinji , Hashimoto Naotaka , Kimura Koichi , Kudo Kensuke , Tsutsumi Ryosuke , Sasaki Shun , Kawasaki Junji , Miyashita Yu , Wada Hiroya 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground/PurposeComputer‐assisted tissue imaging and analytical techniques were used to clarify the histomorphological structure of hepatic connective tissue as a practical guide for surgeons.MethodsApproximately 5000 histological slides were prepared from liver specimens of five autopsied patients. Three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction was performed and subjected to computer imaging analysis. Scanning electron microscopy was also performed on the liver specimens.ResultsThe 3D reconstructed images revealed the running form of the vasculature and the relationship between the hepatic lobule and connective tissue. The hepatic capsule or portal pedicle was consistently located at the periphery of the hepatic lobules. An artificial intelligence random forest approach clearly segmented hepatic cells, type I collagen (CF), type III collagen (RF), and other cells. The hepatic lobule, portal region, and hepatic capsule were significantly distinguished based on CF and RF occupancy. The capsule directly covering the liver lobule with an RF concentration up to 87% was provisionally named the proper hepatic capsule. The existence of a proper hepatic ligament with distinct occupation rates of CF and RF was also suggested.ConclusionsThe identified proper hepatic capsule and ligament can be important markers for demarcating the dissecting layer during surgical procedures.
Serum procalcitonin as an early diagnostic marker of severe postoperative complications after elective pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Hata Tatsuo , Mizuma Masamichi , Motoi Fuyuhiko , Hayashi Hiroki , Ishida Masaharu , Ohtsuka Hideo , Nakagawa Kei , Morikawa Takanori , Kamei Takashi , Unno Michiaki 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground/PurposeTo evaluate the clinical utility of serum procalcitonin (PCT) as a diagnostic marker for the severe postoperative complications associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).MethodsA total of 387 patients were enrolled and the PCT and C‐reactive protein (CRP) values were compared between the non‐severe complications group (Clavien–Dindo classification Grade IIIb and lower) and severe complications (Grade IVa and higher).ResultsSevere complications occurred in 16 patients. In the severe complications group, CRP levels peaked on postoperative day (POD) 3, whereas PCT levels peaked on POD 1. The PCT levels on PODs 1–5 were significantly higher in the severe complications group. Regarding the diagnostic performance, the PCT value on POD 2 higher than 2.1 ng/mL revealed the highest performance, with 66.7% sensitivity and 78.6% specificity. Based on the postoperative kinetics and multivariate analysis, PCT and CRP both act independently of each other and the combination assay improved the diagnostic power (area under the curve 0.781; sensitivity 60.0%; specificity 85.6%). Preoperative biliary drainage was found to affect the perioperative PCT values and subgroup analysis stratified by the drainage procedure improved diagnostic sensitivity (~85%).ConclusionsProcalcitonin in the early postoperative period can serve as an earlier detector for the development of severe complications after PD.
SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostics in the virology laboratory of a University Hospital in Rome during the lockdown period
Authors: Turriziani Ombretta , Sciandra Ilaria , Mazzuti Laura , Di Carlo Daniele , Bitossi Camilla , Calabretto Marianna , Guerrizio Giuliana , Oliveto Giuseppe , Riveros Cabral Rodolfo J. , Viscido Agnese , Falasca Francesca , Gentile Massimo , Pietropaolo Valeria , Rodio Donatella M. , Carattoli Alessandra , Antonelli Guido 
Published: July 2020

AbstractItaly was one of the most affected nations by coronavirus disease 2019 outside China. The infections, initially limited to Northern Italy, spread to all other Italian regions. This study aims to provide a snapshot of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) epidemiology based on a single‐center laboratory experience in Rome. The study retrospectively included 6565 subjects tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 at the Laboratory of Virology of Sapienza University Hospital in Rome from 6 March to 4 May. A total of 9995 clinical specimens were analyzed, including nasopharyngeal swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, gargle lavages, stools, pleural fluids, and cerebrospinal fluids. Positivity to SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected in 8% (527/6565) of individuals, increased with age, and was higher in male patients (P  < .001). The number of new confirmed cases reached a peak on 18 March and then decreased. The virus was detected in respiratory samples, in stool and in pleural fluids, while none of gargle lavage or cerebrospinal fluid samples gave a positive result. This analysis allowed to gather comprehensive information on SARS‐CoV‐2 epidemiology in our area, highlighting positivity variations over time and in different sex and age group and the need for a continuous surveillance of the infection, mostly because the pandemic evolution remains unknown.
Transmission route and introduction of pandemic SARS‐CoV‐2 between China, Italy, and Spain
Authors: Nabil Benazi , Sabrina Bounab , Abdelhakim Bounab 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe present a phylodynamic and phylogeographic analysis of this new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus in this report. A tree of maximum credibility was constructed using the 72 entire genome sequences of this virus, from the three countries (China, Italy, and Spain) available as of 26 March 2020 on the GISAID reference frame. To schematize the current SARS‐CoV‐2 migration scenario between and within the three countries chosen, using the multitype bearth‐death model implemented in BEAST2. Bayesian phylogeographic reconstruction shows that SARS‐CoV‐2 has a rate of evolution of 2.11 × 10−3 per sites per year (95% highest posterior density: 1.56 × 10−3 to 3.89 × 10−3), and a geographic origin in Shanghai, where time until the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) emerged, according to the analysis of the molecular clock, around 13 November 2019. While for Italy and Spain, there are two tMRCA for each country, which agree with the assumption of several introductions for these countries. That explains also this very short period of subepidermal circulation before the recent events. A total of 8 (median) migration events occurred during this short period, the largest proportion of which (6 events [75%]) occurred from Shanghai (China) to Spain and from Italy to Spain. Such events are marked by speeds of migration that are comparatively lower as compared with that from Shanghai to Italy. Shanghai's R0 and Italy's are closer to each other, though Spain's is slightly higher. All these results allow us to conclude the need for an automatic system of mixed, molecular and classical epidemiological surveillance, which could play a role in this global surveillance of public health and decision‐making.