bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of humoral factors of homeostatistic proliferation on t-regulatory cells in vitro
Authors: Shevyrev D. V. , Blinova E. A. , Kozlov V. A. 
Published: May 2019

Aim. The aim of this study was the investigation of the influence of humoral factors of homeostatic proliferation IL-7 and IL-15 on T-regulatory cells in healthy donors.Materials and methods. The study included 15 conditionally healthy donors. Phenotyping and evaluation of expression changes of transcription factor FoxP3 and the main functional molecules on T-regulatory cells such as PD-L1, CTLA-4 and HLA-DR during cultivation under IL-7, IL-15 and anti-CD3 stimulation combined with IL-2 were performed by flow cytometry. Also, we estimated proliferation intensity of T-regulatory cells in the course of cultivation.Results. We revealed that humoral factors of homeostatic proliferation can effectively support a pool of T-regulatory cells during cultivation by number and phenotype and can maintain expression of important molecules such as PD-L1 and HLA-DR on regulatory T-cell surface. In addition, our study showed that IL-7 and IL-15 can cause relatively low T-regulatory cells proliferation in comparison to CD4+- lymphocytes.Conclusion. The observed ability of homeostatic proliferation factors to maintain T-regulatory cells pool presumably can play an important role in lymphopenic conditions when the number of effector cells is decreased and the insufficiency of interleukin IL-2 is observed, which plays a primary role in the homeostasis of T-regulatory cells in normal conditions.
THE SINGLE CURRENCY FOR ISLAMIC NATIONS: DO HETEROGENEITIES MATTER?
Authors: Agustiar Memet 
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study is to assess the readiness of 44 OIC member countries to form a currency union and to test whether the Optimum Currency Area (OCA) criteria remain relevant to a large region like the OIC. Large geographic size is subject to socio-economic and geographic disparities. This study employs the OCA-index to estimate the degree of readiness of the OIC to form a currency union. Five selected criteria –business cycle synchronization, trade openness, inflation similarity, the size of the economy, and distance – were employed to determine the OCA using Ordinary Least Squares regression. The findings of this study estimate that 63 percent of pairs of countries in the OIC are ready to form a currency union. The selected OCA’s criteria present the best-fit variable in explaining the OCA for the OIC. This paper verifies that economic and geographic heterogeneities are not the main obstacle to forming a currency union. This study provides an important contribution to the theory of OCA primarily in clarifying the application of the OCA conditions in a large observation like the OIC, which comprises many countries and many blocs.
FAKTOR PENENTU PROFITABILITAS BANK UMUM SYARIAH DI INDONESIA (Pasca Peralihan Tugas Pengawasan Perbankan dari BI ke OJK)
Authors: Rizal Fitra 
Published: May 2019

Abstract: This research was conducted to determine the determinants of profitability on Sharia Commercial Bank after the transfer of banking supervision duties from Bank Indonesia to the Otoritas Jasa Keuangan. The data used in this research are secondary data obtained from Islamic Banking Statistics published by the Otoritas Jasa Keuangan and Bank Indonesia.The analysis technique used is multiple linear regression using the classic assumption test first.The results of the analysis show that the regression equation used has passed the classic assumption test. This research proves that partially, only the Operational Expenses to Operational Revenue variables that affect Return on Assets of Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia for the 2015-2018 Period,while the variable Capital Adequacy Ratio and Inflation did not affect Return on Assets of Sharia Commercial Banks in Indonesia for the 2015-2018 period. And simultaneously the three variables have an effect on Return on Assets of Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia for the 2015-2018 Period. الملخص: تم إجراء هذا البحث لتحديد محددات ربحية البنك الاسلامي التجاري بعد انتقال مهام الإشراف المصرفي من بنك إندونسيا إلى هيئة الخدمات المالية البيانات المستخدمة في هذه الدراسة هي بيانات ثانوية تم الحصول عليها من إحصاءات المصرفية الإسلامية التي نشرتها هيئة الخدمات المالية وبنك أندونيسيا. الطريقة التحليلية المستخدمة هي الانحدار الخطي المتعدد باستخدام اختبار الافتراض الكلاسيكي أولاً. توضح نتائج التحليل أن معادلة الانحدار المستخدمة اجتازت اختبار الافتراض الكلاسيكي. تثبت هذه الدراسة أن جزئية،المصروفات التشغيلية لمتغير الإيرادات التشغيلية التي تؤثر على العائد على موجودات البنوك التجارية الإسلامية في إندونيسيا للفترة 2015-2018 ، أن متغير نسبة كفاية رأس المال والتضخم لا يؤثر على العائد على الأصول البنوك الإسلامية في إندونيسيا فترة 2015-2018.في وقت واحد, المتغيرات الثلاثة العائد على الأصول تأثير المصارف الإسلامية في إندونيسيا فترة 2015-2018Abtrak: Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui faktor penentu profitabilitas Bank Umum Syariah pasca peralihan tugas pengawasan perbankan dari Bank Indonesia ke Otoritas Jasa Keuangan. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data sekunder yang diperoleh dari Statistik Perbankan Syariah yang dipublikasikan oleh Otoritas Jasa Keuangan dan Bank Indonesia. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah regresi linier berganda dengan menggunakan uji asumsi klasik terlebih dahulu. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa persamaan regresi yang digunakan telah lolos uji asumsi klasik. Penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa secara parsial, hanya variabel Operational Expenses to Operational Revenue yang berpengaruh terhadap Return on Asset Bank Umum Syariah di Indonesia Periode 2015-2018, sementara variabel Capital Adequacy Ratio dan Inflasi tidak berpengaruh terhadap Return on Asset Bank Umum Syariah di Indonesia Periode 2015-2018. Dan secara simultan ketiga variabel tersebut Berpengaruh terhadap Return on Asset Bank Umum Syariah di Indonesia Periode 2015-2018.
Effects of dexamethasone on postoperative cognitive dysfunction and delirium in adults following general anesthesia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Li-Qin , Wang Cong , Fang Mei-Dan , Xu Hong-Yu , Lu Hong-Liu , Zhang Hou-Zhong 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background Several studies have investigated the effects of dexamethasone on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) or postoperative delirium (POD); however, their conclusions have not been consistent. So we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of dexamethasone on POCD/POD in adults following general anesthesia. Methods Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2018, Issue 11 of 12) in the Cochrane Library (searched November 17, 2018); MEDLINE OvidSP (1946 to November 16, 2018); and Embase OvidSP (1974 to November 16, 2018) were searched for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the incidence of POCD/POD following dexamethasone administration, in adults (age ≥18 years) under general anesthesia. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework to assess the quality of evidence. Results Five studies were included (three studies/855 participants in dexamethasone group and 538 participants in placebo group for the incidence of POCD, and two studies/410 participants in dexamethasone group and 420 participants in placebo group for the incidence of POD). There was no significant difference between the dexamethasone group and the placebo group in terms of the incidence of POCD in 30 days after surgery (RR 1.00; 95% CI [0.51, 1.96], P = 1.00, I2 = 77%) or in the incidence of POD (RR 0.96; 95% CI [0.68, 1.35], P = 0.80, I2 = 0%). However, both analyses had some limitations since evidence remains limited and clinical heterogeneity, and we considered the quality of the evidence for the postoperative incidence of POCD and POD to be very low. Conclusions This meta-analysis revealed that prophylactic dexamethasone did not reduce the incidence of POCD and POD. Trials of alternative prevent strategies for POCD/POD, and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of those complex syndrome, are still needed to make progress of this field. Trial registration number: This study is registered with PROSPERO, 23 October 2018, number CRD42018114552.
Estimating the annual risk of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis among adolescents in Western Kenya in preparation for TB vaccine trials
Authors: Nduba Videlis , Hoog Anna H. van’t , de Bruijn Annefleur , Mitchell Ellen M.H. , Laserson Kayla , Borgdorff Martien 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background: Adolescents are a prime target group for tuberculosis (TB) vaccine trials that include prevention of infection (POI). The BCG vaccine is given at birth and does not prevent TB infection. TB infection, a critical endpoint for POI vaccine trials would need to be documented to estimate sample sizes in target populations.
Methods: Adolescents aged 12-18 years of age were enrolled in an area under continuous demographic surveillance. A tuberculin skin test (TST) survey was conducted as part of a study on TB prevalence and incidence. All adolescents got TSTs at enrolment and returned after 72 hours for reading. A TST of ≥10mm if HIV negative or ≥ 5mm if HIV positive, was considered positive.
Results: Of 4808 adolescents returning for TST readings (96% of those enrolled), mean age was 14.4 (SD 1.9), 4518(94%) were enrolled in school and 21(0.4%) gave a previous history of tuberculosis. Among adolescents with TST reactivity, the mean TST induration was 13.2 mm (SD 5.4). The overall prevalence of latent TB infection was 1544/4808 (32.1%, 95% CI 29.2-35.1) with a corresponding annual risk of TB infection (ARTI) of 2.6% (95% CI 2.2-3.1). Risk factors for a positive TST included being male (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.2,1.5), history of having a household TB contact (OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.2,1.8), having a BCG scar (OR 1.5,95%CI 1.2,1.8), living in a rural area (OR 1.4, 95%CI 1.1,1.9), and being out of school (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.4,2.3).
Conclusion: We conclude that the high TB transmission rates we found in this study, suggest that adolescents in this region may be an appropriate target group for TB vaccine trials including TB vaccine trials aiming to prevent infection.
Two pal genes of Pleurotus ostreatus participate in primordium formation and heat stress response
Authors: Hou Ludan , Wang Lining , Wu Xiangli , Gao Wei , Zhang Jinxia , Huang Chenyang 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.24) is the first key enzyme in the phenylpropanoid pathway. The pal gene is widely studied in plants and participates in plant growth, development and defense systems. However, the biological function of pal in P. ostreatus development and abiotic stress has not been reported.

Results

In this study, we cloned and characterized the pal1 (2232 bp) and pal2 (2244 bp) from basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus CCMSSC 00389. The pal1 and pal2 genes are interrupted by 6 and 10 introns and encode proteins of 743 and 747 amino acids, respectively. Furthermore, prokaryotic expression experiments showed that PAL enzymes catalyzed the conversion of L-phenylalanine to trans-cinnamic acid. The function of pal1 and pal2 was determined by constructing overexpression (OE) and RNA interference (RNAi) strains. The results showed that the two pal genes had similar expression patterns during different developmental stages. The expression of pal genes was higher in the reproductive growth stage than in the vegetative growth stage. And the overexpression of pal1 and pal2 resulted in the formation of primordia earlier. The results of heat stress assays showed that the RNAi-pal1 strains had enhanced mycelial tolerance to high temperature, while the RNAi-pal2 strains had enhanced mycelial resistance to H2O2.

Conclusions

These results indicate that two pal genes may play a similar role in the development of P. ostreatus fruiting bodies, but may alleviate stress through different regulatory pathways under heat stress.
Intestinal probiotics motivate the foraging decision and promote fecundity and survival of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Akami Mazarin , Ren Xue-Ming , Qi Xuewei , Shabon Abdelaziz M. , Gao Bingli , Cao Shuai , Niu Chang-Ying 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

The gut bacteria of tephritid fruit flies play prominent roles in nutrition, reproduction, maintenance and ecological adaptations of the host. Here, we adopted an approach based on direct observation of symbiotic or axenic flies feeding on dishes seeded with drops of full diet (containing all amino acids) or full diet supplemented with bacteria at similar concentrations to explore the effects of intestinal bacteria on foraging decision and fitness of Bactrocera dorsalis.

Results

The results showed that intestinal probiotics motivate beneficial foraging decision and enhance the female reproduction fitness and survival of B. dorsalis (symbiotic and axenic), yet preferences for probiotic diets were significantly higher in axenic flies to which they responded faster compared to full diet. Moreover, females fed diet supplemented with Pantoea dispersa and Enterobacter cloacae laid more eggs but had shorter lifespan while female fed Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella oxytoca enriched diets lived longer but had lower fecundity compared to positive control. Conversely, flies fed sugar diet (negative control) were not able to produce any eggs but lived longer than those from the positive control.

Conclusions

These results suggest that intestinal bacteria can shape profitable foraging decision in a way which promotes the reproduction and survival of B. dorsalis. Our data could empower the sterile insect technique (SIT) through the mass rearing program.
Infection within 2 weeks before liver transplantation closely related to prognosis of posttransplant infection: a single-center retrospective observational study in China
Authors: Ying Yue , Li Rui-Dong , Ai Jing-Wen , Zhu Yi-Min , Zhou Xian , Qian Yi-Yi , Chen Xin-Chang , Wang Xu-Yang , Zhang Hao-Cheng , Li Yang , Weng Shan-Shan , Yu Yi-Qi , Tao Yi-Feng , Zhang Xiao-Fei , Huang Yu-Xian , Wang Zheng-Xin , Zhang Wen-Hong 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

Infections still represent the main factors influencing morbidity and mortality following liver transplantation. This study is to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for infection and survival after liver transplantation.

Methods

We retrospectively examined medical records in 210 recipients who underwent liver transplantation between April 2015 and October 2017 in our center.

Results

During the median follow-up days of 214, the incidence of infection after liver transplantation was 46.7% (n=98): namely, pneumonia (43.4%), biliary tract infection (21.9%) and peritonitis (21.4%). Among the pathogens in pneumonia, the most frequently isolated was Acinetobacter baumanii (23.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.1%). For biliary tract infection, the first rank was Strenotrophomonas maltophilia (14.0%) and then Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.6%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Strenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Klebsiella pneumoniae accounted for 21.4%, 11.9% and 11.9% of pathogens in peritonitis, respectively. The independent risk factors for infection after liver transplantation are model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) or pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) score, total blood loss in operation and duration of drainage tube. All-cause mortality was 11.0% (n=23). The prognostic factors for postoperative infection in transplant recipients are infection, especially pneumonia within 2 weeks before transplantation, complication with impaired renal function and higher MELD or PELD score after 7 days of transplantation. Kaplan–Meier curves of survival showed that recipients with infection within 2 weeks before transplantation had a significantly lower cumulative survival rate compared with those without infection (66.7% vs 91.9%, HR=4.480, 95% CI, 3.377-47.85; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Infection, especially pneumonia within 2 weeks before transplantation are independent prognostic factors for postoperative infection in transplant recipients.
Variable versus constant frequency deep brain stimulation in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jia Fumin , Zhang Jianguo , Liang Zhanhua , Liu Weiguo , Wang Xuelian , Liu Yiming , Guo Yi , Ling Zhipei , Cai Xiaodong , Wu Xi , Tao Yingqun , Wu Jianjun , Lv Wen , Xu Xin , Li Nan , Zhang Wenbin , Li Luming 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN) can be used to treat motor symptoms and dyskinesia in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease (PD). High frequency stimulation (HFS) of the STN can lead to consistent, long-term improvement of PD symptoms. However, the effects of HFS on the axial symptoms of PD, specifically freezing of gait (FOG), can be limited or cause further impairment. While this can be alleviated via relatively low frequency stimulation (LFS) in select patients, LFS does not control all motor symptoms of PD. Recently, the National Engineering Laboratory for Neuromodulation reported preliminary findings regarding an efficient way to combine the advantages of HFS and LFS to form variable frequency stimulation (VFS). However, this novel therapeutic strategy has not been formally tested in a randomized trial.
Methods/Design: We propose a multicenter, double blind clinical trial involving 12 study hospitals and an established DBS team. The participants will be divided into a VFS and a constant frequency stimulation (CFS) group. The primary outcome will be changes in Stand-Walk-Sit (SWS) task scores at three months of treatment in the “medication off” condition. Secondary outcome measures include specific item scores on the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire and quality of life. The aim of this trial is to investigate the efficacy and safety of VFS compared with CFS.
Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of VFS of the STN in patients with advanced PD. VFS may represent a new option for clinical treatment of PD in the future.
Trial registration: The present protocol is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03053726.
Experimental investigation of water quality responses to inorganic pollutants for the establishment of a contamination warning system
Authors: Yoon Sukmin , Kim Seong-Su , Park No-Suk 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this study, batch and simulated pipeline experiments were conducted to investigate the response of water quality parameters (pH, conductivity, residual chlorine, turbidity, total organic carbon, UV 254, and oxidation reduction potential (ORP)) to various concentrations of four inorganic pollutants (Cd, Cr, Mn, and Pb). In addition, the possibility of detecting incidents of contamination in the actual water supply system was evaluated by deriving the response intensities of each factor to the concentrations of the pollutants. As a result, pH and ORP were identified as the major water quality parameters responsive to the four inorganic pollutants in this study. The responses were more intense (more sensitive) in pure water than in tap water. The results of the batch and simulated pipeline experiments for tap water showed almost identical tendencies, except for the second level of Mn injection (concentration 0.5 mg/L).
Preliminary Study on the Mechanism of Carvacrol Regulating Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Li Sha , Zhao Haixia , Bao Lidao 
Published: May 2019

Objective:
To predict and analyze the target of anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in
the active constituents of Safflower by using network pharmacology.

Methods:
The active compounds of safflower were collected by TCMSP, TCM-PTD database and
literature mining methods. The targets of active compounds were predicted by Swiss Target Prediction
server, and the target of anti-HCC drugs was collected by DisGeNET database. The target was
subjected to an alignment analysis to screen out Carvacrol, a target of safflower against HCC. The
mouse HCC model was established and treated with Carvacrol. The anti-HCC target DAPK1 and
PPP2R2A were verified by Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation.

Results:
A total of 21 safflower active ingredients were predicted. Carvacrol was identified as a possible
active ingredient according to the five principles of drug-like medicine. According to Carvacrol's
possible targets and possible targets of HCC, three co-targets were identified, including cancer-
related are DAPK1 and PPP2R2A. After 20 weeks of Carvacrol treated, Carvacrol group significantly
increased on DAPK1 levels and decreased PPP2R2A levels in the model mice by Western
blot. Immunoprecipitation confirmed the endogenous interaction between DAPK1 and PPP2R2A.

Conclusion:
Safflower can regulate the development of HCC through its active component Carvacrol,
which can affect the expression of DAPK1 and PPP2R2A proteins, and the endogenous interactions
of DAPK1 and PPP2R2A proteins.
A Web-Based Clinical System for Cohort Surveillance of Specific Clinical Effectiveness and Safety Outcomes: A Cohort Study of Non–Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin
Authors: Lin Fong-Ci , Huang Shih-Tsung , Shang Rung Ji , Wang Chi-Chuan , Hsiao Fei-Yuan , Lin Fang-Ju , Lin Mei-Shu , Hung Kuan-Yu , Wang Jui , Shen Li-Jiuan , Lai Feipei , Huang Chih-Fen 
Published: May 2019

Background
Conventional systems of drug surveillance lack a seamless workflow, which makes it crucial to have an active drug surveillance system that proactively assesses adverse drug events.

Objective
The aim of this study was to develop a seamless, Web-based workflow for comparing the safety and effectiveness of drugs in a database of electronic medical records.

Methods
We proposed a comprehensive integration process for cohort surveillance using the National Taiwan University Hospital Clinical Surveillance System (NCSS). We studied a practical application of the NCSS that evaluates the drug safety and effectiveness of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and warfarin by cohort tree analysis in an efficient and interoperable platform.

Results
We demonstrated a practical example of investigating the differences in effectiveness and safety between NOACs and warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) using the NCSS. We efficiently identified 2357 patients with nonvalvular AF with newly prescribed oral anticoagulants between 2010 and 2015 and further developed 1 main cohort and 2 subcohorts for separately measuring ischemic stroke as the clinical effectiveness outcome and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) as the safety outcome. In the subcohort of ischemic stroke, NOAC users exhibited a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke than warfarin users after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity, and comedication in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (P=.01) but did not exhibit a significantly distinct risk in an as-treated (AT) analysis (P=.12) after the 2-year follow-up. In the subcohort of ICH, NOAC users did not exhibit a different risk of ICH both in ITT (P=.68) and AT analyses (P=.15).

Conclusions
With a seamless and Web-based workflow, the NCSS can serve the critical role of forming associations between evidence and the real world at a medical center in Taiwan.