bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of bank regulation on risk of Islamic and conventional banks
Authors: Hoque Hafiz , Liu Heng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe analyse the impact of bank regulation on the risks of Islamic banks (IBs) and conventional banks (CBs) between 2004 and 2015 by employing 455 CBs and 95 IBs from 22 countries where IBs and CBs coexist. Since the objective of Basel regulations is to achieve a stable banking sector by mitigating risks, we examine the impact of bank regulations on various risks of IBs and CBs by using a regression framework. We examine solvency risk, credit risk, idiosyncratic risk and systemic risk by using capital oversight, restriction on activities, private monitoring and supervisory power bank regulation data provided by the World Bank. The findings show that though the Basel regulations were originally developed for CBs, our results imply that they are effective for IBs as well as CBs. However, our study also shows that regulations affect IBs and CBs differently as their business models are different. More targeted regulations towards IBs would be necessary to support IBs. Additionally, in regions with higher economic freedom indexes, banking regulations can mitigate the risk of IBs and CBs to a greater extent. Our results imply that the combination of free economic policies and banking supervision addresses risks in banking effectively. Finally, the bank regulations did not appear to be able to control the risk of the sample banks during the 2007–2009 crisis. Hence, the Basel committee needs to rethink about regulations during crisis times.
Process of fetal head descent as recorded by ultrasonography: How does this compare with the conventional first stage of labor?
Authors: Tang Huirong , Wang Wenwen , Pan Yunyun , Liu Mo , Shao Fang , Xu Biyun , Su Yu , Hu Yali , Dai Yimin , Zheng Mingming 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo construct an ultrasound partogram using serial transperineal sonographic measurements of the angle of fetal head progression during the first stage of labor, and to compare it with a conventional partogram based on digital vaginal examinations.MethodsBetween 2017 and 2018, a prospective cohort study at Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China, recruited 375 nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy and spontaneous onset of labor at 37 or more gestational weeks. Transperineal ultrasound scans were performed to measure the angle of progression (AoP) every 0.5–1 h until the second stage. Vaginal examinations were also used to measure cervical dilatation. Repeated‐measures analysis was used to generate labor curves.ResultsThe labor curve generated by AoP had a pattern similar to that based on cervical dilatation. There was an initial slow period lasting approximately 5.5 h until the cervical dilatation or AoP reached the inflection point (4 cm and 119°, respectively), followed by a second, more rapid period, lasting approximately 2.5 h.ConclusionBased on ultrasound data, it was feasible to construct an “angle of progression partogram” of the first stage of labor, which was similar in pattern to the partogram based on cervical dilatation measured in the same cohort.
Agricultural water management challenges in the Hunza River Basin: Is a solar water pump an alternative option?*
Authors: Dhakal Madhav Prasad , Ali Amjad , Khan Muhammad Zafar , Wagle Nisha , Shah Ghulam Muhammad , Maqsood Muhammad Mudassar , Ali Ajaz 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn the glaciated mountains of the Upper Indus Basin of Pakistan, glacier‐ and snowmelt‐ based irrigation systems have been established over several centuries to secure water for cultivation. However, these systems are now facing several challenges, being sensitive to climate change and thus exposed to the resulting extreme events such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and flash floods, also difficult terrain and access paths, male outmigration, limited technical capacity and a weak policy and governance system. Hence, exploring the potential options for overcoming the challenges and irrigating arable barren land could lead to economic prosperity and environmental gains.A literature review, stakeholder consultation and semi‐structured questionnaire survey in two villages of the Hunza River basin was conducted to synthesize information in different domains. Information on the irrigation system and its sources, water distribution/allocation system, challenges and adaptation strategies were collected, and based on community preferences, an alternative irrigation technological package was established to overcome the challenges and irrigate barren land. A customized solar water lifting pump with an efficient micro‐irrigation package was piloted which proved to be climate resilient. The system is simple to adopt, uses clean energy for operation and is economically feasible, with a benefit–cost ratio of 4.96 and a payback period of around 11 years.
Early response to caplacizumab and rituximab after anaphylaxis to Octaplas plasma in a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Perrone Salvatore , Passucci Mauro , Ortu La Barbera Elettra , Capriata Marcello , Ferretti Antonietta , Mecozzi Alessandra , Giovangrossi Piera , Equitani Francesco , Cimino Giuseppe 
Published: January 2021

AbstractManagement of aTTP in patients who refuse or are intolerant to plasma remains challenging, but new drugs can be implemented with success. A 39‐year‐old woman presented to the Emergency department for bruises at the upper and lower limbs together with worsening anemia and thrombocytopenia; PLASMIC score was seven, indicative of high risk to have a thrombotic microangiopathy due to severe ADAMTS‐13 deficiency: indeed, it was 1.4%. We immediately started Plasma Exchange, but after the third procedure she developed severe anaphylaxis to Octaplas plasma, so PEXs were discontinued. We proceeded to a salvage strategy with rituximab and caplacizumab that was rapidly effective to resolve symptoms and hemolysis. It has been already reported a case in which a patient developed severe reactions to fresh‐frozen plasma that required discontinuation of PEX. Differently from this case, our patient was already using the less immunogenic pooled plasma units Octaplas, therefore a strategy with caplacizumab was the only available option. Moreover, rituximab is associated with a shorter time to obtain a durable remission in aTTP and a faster time (15 days) to final ADAMTS13 activity recovery >10%. To our knowledge, this is the first case of early discontinuation of caplacizumab in a patient allergic to PEX by actively monitoring ADAMTS13 activity, allowing optimization of healthcare resources during COVID‐19 pandemic.
Calmodulin/CaMKII‐γ mediates prosurvival capability in apicidin‐persistent hepatocellular carcinoma cells via ERK1/2/CREB/c‐fos signaling pathway
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Chung , Le Hang‐Nga , Lin Yu‐Jung , Chen Ming‐Cheng , Wang Tso‐Fu , Li Chi‐Cheng , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Mahalakshmi B. , Singh Chaouhan Hitesh , Chen Mei‐Chih , Huang Chih‐Yang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCalmodulin (CaM), a Ca2+ binding protein, plays a critical role in cancer initiation and progression through binding and activating numerous target proteins, including Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase (CaMK) family proteins. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of CaM/CaMKs on the survival capability of liver cancer cells is unclear, and this study investigates this mechanism in apicidin‐persistent HA22T cells. CaM level was upregulated, especially in the cytosol, in apicidin‐persistent HA22T cells than in parental HA22T cells and was positively associated with cell proliferation and migration capacity of apicidin‐persistent HA22T cells. Further, the expression of CaM‐activated CaMKs‐dependent signaling cascades, including CaMKK2, CaMKIV, CaMKII‐γ, and p‐CaMKII was observed in apicidin‐persistent HA22T cells, which were transiently activated by mitogen‐activated protein kinase oncogenic signaling, such as CREB, ERK1/2, and c‐fos. Furthermore, a specific CaM inhibitor trifluoperazine reduced the levels of p‐CREB, p‐ERK1/2, and c‐fos in apicidin‐persistent HA22T cells than in parental HA22T cells. Additionally, inhibition of CaM also suppressed CaM‐induced Bcl‐XL (an antiapoptotic protein) expression in apicidin‐persistent HA22T cells. Our finding emphasizes an essential role of CaM/CaMKs in augmentation of the survival capability of apicidin‐persistent liver cancer cells and suggests that CaM inhibition significantly attenuates CaM‐induced tumor growth and abrogates antiapoptotic function and also offers a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Lp‐PLA2 evaluates the severity of carotid artery stenosis and predicts the occurrence of cerebrovascular events in high stroke‐risk populations
Authors: Zhang Fujie , Guo Jianwei , Yang Fangfang , Zhou Yonglie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundLipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, relationship between carotid artery stenosis and cerebrovascular events in high stroke‐risk populations is still unclear.MethodsA total of 835 people at a high risk of stroke were screened from 15,933 people aged >40 years in April 2013 and followed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Finally, 823 participants met the screening criteria, and the clinical data and biochemical parameters were investigated.ResultsAmong the 823 participants, 286 had varying degrees of carotid artery stenosis and 18 had cerebrovascular events. The level of Lp‐PLA2 in the carotid artery stenosis group was higher than that in the no stenosis group, and the level in the event group was higher than that in the no event group (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Lp‐PLA2 was positively correlated with the degree of carotid artery stenosis (r = 0.093, p = 0.07) and stenosis involvement (r = 0.094, p = 0.07). The correlation coefficient between Lp‐PLA2 and lipoprotein was the highest on the levels of sdLDL (r = 0.555, p < 0.001), followed by non‐HDL, LDL, TC, and TG. Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed that, compared with the first quantile of Lp‐PLA2 level (Q1, low level), the risk of cerebrovascular events in the fourth quantile of Lp‐PLA2 was 10.170 times that of the first quantile (OR = 10.170, 95% CI 1.302–79.448, p = 0.027).ConclusionsLp‐PLA2 levels can evaluate carotid artery stenosis and predict the occurrence of cerebrovascular events in high stroke‐risk populations and provide scientific guidance for risk stratification management.
Serum pancreatic enzymes in the early postoperative period predict complications associated with pancreatic fluid after pancreas transplantation: A retrospective, single‐center, observational cohort study
Authors: Tomihara Kazuki , Hisadome Yu , Noguchi Hiroshi , Kaku Keizo , Okabe Yasuhiro , Nakamura Masafumi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPancreas transplantation (PT) is a radical treatment for diabetes mellitus (DM). Although the results of PT have been improving, surgical complications remain. Few reports have focused on complications associated with pancreatic fluid (CAPF) after PT. We aimed to investigate the risk factors and predictors for CAPF after PT.MethodsSixty‐nine patients, who underwent deceased‐donor PT for type 1 DM at our institution from August 2001 to May 2020, were retrospectively studied. We identified CAPF from those with Clavien‐Dindo Classification ≥grade III and assessed risk factors by univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression.ResultsTwenty‐one (30.4%) patients had complications with Clavien‐Dindo Classification ≥grade III. Eleven (16.0%) patients were diagnosed with CAPF. Median serum pancreatic amylase (P‐AMY) levels with CAPF on postoperative day (POD)1 and POD2 were significantly higher than those without CAPF (P = .019 and P = .027, respectively). In multivariable analysis, serum P‐AMY levels on POD1 were an independent predictive factor for CAPF (odds ratio 1.83, 95% confidence interval 1.07‐3.14, P = .008).ConclusionsComplications associated with pancreatic fluid after PT is associated with high serum P‐AMY in the early postoperative period. Serum pancreatic enzymes in the first few postoperative days after PT may be a significant predictive factor for CAPF.
Defining and measuring financial inclusion: A systematic review and confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Pesqué‐Cela Vanesa , Tian Lihui , Luo Deming , Tobin Damian , Kling Gerhard 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study re‐examines the construct of financial inclusion, through a literature review and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). First, we conduct a systematic review of definitions, measures and data sources. Second, we apply CFA to test two prominent financial inclusion indices. The CFA analysis reveals a high correlation between the ‘access’ and ‘use’ dimensions; hence, indices fail to capture the multidimensionality of financial inclusion. Existing indices tend to be biased towards measuring the supply‐side and quantitative aspects of financial inclusion. The extent to which lower income individuals and smaller firms have been incorporated into the formal financial sector is not captured.
A study on the journey to homicide and offender characteristics in Spain
Authors: Santos‐Hermoso Jorge , Villalba‐García David , Camacho‐Collados Miguel , Tejeiro Ricardo , González‐Álvarez José L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this study, the displacement of 687 murderers in Spain (2010–2012) is analysed. The Euclidean distance between the offender's residence and the furthest scene related to the event has been calculated. The analyses showed that the murderers registered a displacement of 0.5 km, with 255 cases of non‐traveller homicide (37.1%). The bivariate analysis found that men, young and foreign, with a criminal record and unrelated to the victim, registered a large distance, as well as multi‐offender homicides and were related to criminal activities. Traveller homicide registered a displacement of 4.3 km, with adults unrelated to the victim travelling the farthest. Multi‐offender and crime‐related homicides continued to show the largest distance. Multivariate analyses showed that if the offender is foreign, has no previous relationship with the victim and there are several offenders involved, the distance will be larger. When only traveller homicides were analysed, only the type of relationship showed significant differences.
SARS‐CoV‐2, the pandemic coronavirus: Molecular and structural insights
Authors: Kadam Swapnil B. , Sukhramani Geetika S. , Bishnoi Pratibha , Pable Anupama A. , Barvkar Vitthal T. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe outbreak of a novel coronavirus associated with acute respiratory disease, called COVID‐19, marked the introduction of the third spillover of an animal coronavirus (CoV) to humans in the last two decades. The genome analysis with various bioinformatics tools revealed that the causative pathogen (SARS‐CoV‐2) belongs to the subgenus Sarbecovirus of the genus Betacoronavirus, with highly similar genome as bat coronavirus and receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of spike glycoprotein as Malayan pangolin coronavirus. Based on its genetic proximity, SARS‐CoV‐2 is likely to have originated from bat‐derived CoV and transmitted to humans via an unknown intermediate mammalian host, probably Malayan pangolin. Further, spike protein S1/S2 cleavage site of SARS‐CoV‐2 has acquired polybasic furin cleavage site which is absent in bat and pangolin suggesting natural selection either in an animal host before zoonotic transfer or in humans following zoonotic transfer. In the current review, we recapitulate a preliminary opinion about the disease, origin and life cycle of SARS‐CoV‐2, roles of virus proteins in pathogenesis, commonalities, and differences between different corona viruses. Moreover, the crystal structures of SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins with unique characteristics differentiating it from other CoVs are discussed. Our review also provides comprehensive information on the molecular aspects of SARS‐CoV‐2 including secondary structures in the genome and protein–protein interactions which can be useful to understand the aggressive spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2. The mutations and the haplotypes reported in the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome are summarized to understand the virus evolution.
Laser resonance frequency analysis of pedicle screw stability: A cadaveric model bone study
Authors: Nakashima Daisuke , Mikami Katsuhiro , Kikuchi Shunsuke , Nishikino Masaharu , Kitamura Toshiyuki , Hasegawa Noboru , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Nagura Takeo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThere is no evaluation method currently available to assess intraoperative pedicle screw fixation (PSF) strength. In this study, we established a laser‐based resonance frequency analysis (RFA) system with high‐speed, noncontact, quantitative measurements of PSF. Clinical investigations in the future can assess surgical failure risk of implants. We investigated the characteristics of the laser RFA and compared them with the conventional methods. We inserted a pedicle screw in the vertebral pedicle of human cadaver or model bone, followed by screw pull‐out, peak torque, implant stability quotient (ISQ) value obtained by the magnetic dental RFA system, and fixation force of laser RFA. We compared the outcomes using best‐fit linear or logarithmic approximations. For the model bone study, the resonance frequency (RF) versus peak torque/pull‐out force (POF) demonstrated strong correlations using logarithmic approximation (vs. peak torque: R = 0.931, p < .001, vs. POF: R = 0.931, p < .001). RF strongly correlated with the ISQ value using linear approximation (R = 0.981, p < .001). For the cadaveric vertebrae study, the correlation coefficients between RF and the peak torque/POF were significant regardless of approximation method (peak torque: logarithmic: R = 0.716 vs. linear: R = 0.811; p < .001) (POF: logarithmic: R = 0.644 vs. linear: R = 0.548; p < .05). Thus, the results of this study revealed a constant correlation between RFA and conventional methods as a measurement validation, predicting favorable support for intraoperative PSF. RFA has the potential to be a new index for evaluating the implant fixation force.
Infrapatellar fat pad volume and Hoffa‐synovitis after ACL reconstruction: Association with early osteoarthritis features and pain over 5 years
Authors: Hart Harvi F. , Culvenor Adam G. , Patterson Brooke E. , Doshi Ankit , Vora Ashish , Guermazi Ali , Birmingham Trevor B. , Crossley Kay M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractInfrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) morphology and Hoffa‐synovitis may be relevant to the development and progression of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). We aimed to compare IPFP volume and Hoffa‐synovitis in participants with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and uninjured controls, and to determine their association with prevalent and worsening early knee OA features and pain in participants post‐ACLR. We assessed IPFP volume and Hoffa‐synovitis from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 111 participants 1‐year post‐ACLR and 20 uninjured controls. Patellofemoral and tibiofemoral cartilage and bone marrow lesions (BMLs) were assessed from MRIs at 1 and 5 years post‐ACLR, and worsening defined as any longitudinal increase in lesion size/severity. IPFP volume and Hoffa‐synovitis prevalence were compared between groups with analysis of covariance and χ
2 tests, respectively. Generalized linear models assessed the relation of IPFP volume and Hoffa‐synovitis to prevalent and worsening features of OA and knee pain (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score—Pain Subscale, Anterior Knee Pain Scale). No significant between‐group differences were observed in IPFP volume (ACLR 34.39 ± 7.29cm3, Control 34.27 ± 7.56cm3) and Hoffa‐synovitis (ACLR 61%, Control 80%). Greater IPFP volume at 1‐year post‐ACLR was associated with greater odds of patellofemoral BMLs at 1‐year (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence intervals]: 1.104 [1.016, 1.200]) and worsening tibiofemoral cartilage lesions at 5‐year post‐ACLR (OR: 1.234 [1.026, 1.483]). Hoffa‐synovitis at 1‐year post‐ACLR was associated with greater odds of worsening patellofemoral BMLs at 5‐year post‐ACLR (OR: 7.465 [1.291, 43.169]). In conclusion, IPFP volume and Hoffa‐synovitis prevalence are similar between individuals 1‐year post‐ACLR and controls. Greater IPFP volume and Hoffa‐synovitis appear to be associated with the presence and worsening of some early OA features in those post‐ACLR, but not pain.
Effects of 445‐nm Laser on Vessels of Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane with Implications to Microlaryngeal Laser Surgery
Authors: Nguyen Duy Duong , Pang Jing‐Yin , Madill Catherine , Novakovic Daniel 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivePrevious research has shown that effective application of angiolytic lasers in microlaryngeal surgery is determined by wavelength, pulse width (PW), and fluence. Recently, a 445‐nm (blue) laser (BL) has been developed with a potentially greater hemoglobin absorption than previous lasers. The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) represents a suitable model for testing various settings to find out the most optimal settings of this laser. This study used the CAM model to examine whether successful photoangiolytic effects could be obtained using BL.MethodsSeven hundred and ninety three third‐order vascular segments of viable CAM were irradiated using BL via 400‐μm diameter fiber, 1 pulse/second, with PW and power varied systematically at standardized fiber‐to‐vessel distances of 1 and 3 mm. Outcome measures including vessel ablation rate (AR), rupture rate (RR), and visible tissue effects were analyzed using Chi‐square test.ResultsEnergy levels of 400, 540, and 600 mJ (per pulse) were most effective for vessel ablation. A working distance of 3 mm resulted in higher ablation and less vessel rupture compared with 1 mm at these optimal energy levels. At 3 mm, a longer PW resulted in higher AR. At 1 mm, AR increased with shorter PW and higher power. The 1‐mm working distance resulted in lower tissue effects than 3 mm.ConclusionFindings in this study showed that BL was effective in vessel ablation using relevant combination of working distance, PW, and energy levels. To obtain high AR, longer working distance plus longer PW was required and if working distance was reduced, shorter PW should be set.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:E1950–E1956, 2021