In chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, inflammation-associated cytokines including proinflammatory cytokines are involved in the development and progression of liver fibrosis. The liver is a source of many cytokines that may influence liver function. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was identified as an inflammatory cytokine. HMGB1 is present in nuclei of all mammalian cells and is released both through active secretion from various cells and by passive release from necrotic cells. Here we explore the relationship between HMGB1 plasma levels and liver fibrosis. HMGB1 serum levels, HBV-DNA, and ALT values were significantly higher in patients with chronic HBV than in controls. In addition, HMGB1 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with low fibrosis (fibrosis score 1-2) compared to those with high fibrosis (fibrosis score 3-4). In the present study, we have shown that HMGB1 is a noninvasive, repeatable, and convenient marker for distinguishing advanced fibrosis from low fibrosis in chronic HBV patients. We believe that the inhibition of HMGB1 may reduce inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis, and may stop the progression of chronic liver disease. Furthermore, we are of the opinion that fibrotic progression in chronic liver patients may be prevented by the inhibition of HMGB1, and that this substance can be a new means of following chronic HBV treatment.

The results of this study have practical importance in clinical practice. The role of the hand and nasal flora of nursing students in the development of nosocomial infections is significant. For this reason, some precautions, such as using gloves and handwashing with special solutions when needed, should be taken to prevent nosocomial infections and protect students against associated risks.

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Purpose The objective of this study is to explore and compare intellectual capital (IC) and its three components in deposit, investment and participation banks operating in Turkey’s banking sector, and to analyze empirically the relationship between intellectual capital and financial performances of the banks. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a panel data of 46 banks operating in the Turkish banking system during the period of 2005–2019. To measure intellectual capital, value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) is used, consisting of the efficiency of a firm’s three types of capital – that is human, structural and employed capitals. To examine the proposed research hypotheses for each bank type separately, multiple regression analysis methods are used. Findings The findings of this paper reveal a positive and statistically significant relationship between IC and financial performance of the banks. Specifically, two of the components of IC, namely, employed and human capital efficiencies, are the most influential value drivers for the financial profitability of the banks, whereas structural capital efficiency has less importance in the profitability of the banks. The financial performance of the banks in Turkey is affected mostly by human capital. Therefore, if banks plan to increase their profitability, they need to pay more attention to human capital than structural and employed capitals. Originality/value The current study can be considered as one of the most comprehensive studies on analyzing the relationship between intellectual capital and financial performances of businesses in the Turkish banking sector. The previous studies analyzed either the banks individually or all banks as one group. The paper provides a valuable framework for executives, managers and policymakers in managing IC within the Turkish context as the most comprehensive study in the relevant literature.

The Novel Coronavirus has brought uncertainties to all countries in the world, causing human suffering and economic downturn that are unprecedented in recent history. This paper is the first empirical research that analyzes the effects of the outbreak on the Turkish stock market. The paper employed a fixed-effect model with daily data to explore the economic impact of the global pandemic at the sectoral level. Findings showed that sectoral indices were affected by the number of cases reported in Turkey than the number of cases in Europe and in the world. Furthermore, the most adversely affected sectors were metal products, machinery and sports, insurance and banking sectors. Despite the substantial economic downturn, food-beverage, wholesale and retail trade and real estate investment sectors have been the less affected industries from the outbreak.