bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of walnut shells on friction and wear performance of eco-friendly brake friction composites
Authors: Qi Shicheng , Fu Zhezhen , Yun Rongping , Jiang Shengling , Zheng Xiaoa , Lu Yafei , Matejka Vlastimil , Kukutschova Jana , Peknikova Veroslava , Prikasky Martin 
Published: January 2014

The paper addresses utilization of 0–14.6 vol.% alkaline-treated walnut shell powders (WSPs) as a functional filler in the proposed eco-friendly brake friction materials. Five non-asbestos friction material samples containing WSP and jute fibers from biomass as biodegradable components were prepared, also including several from natural resources, such as wollastonite, basalt fibers, zircon, barite, and vermiculite. The friction-wear properties of the prepared composites were tested by using Chase friction performance testing device. Furthermore, an extension evaluation method was introduced to rank the composites based on their overall friction-wear characteristics. The coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate of the samples could be effectively improved, especially for the sample with a WSP content ≤5.6 vol.%. With confirmation of the analysis and characterization results, chars were very possibly formed by the degradation of organic ingredients, such as WSP and jute fibers, which played a key role in affecting the friction performance of the friction composites.
TAT-SNAP-23 treatment inhibits the priming of neutrophil functions contributing to shock and/or sepsis-induced extra-pulmonary acute lung injury
Authors: Bai Jianwen , Tang Lunxian , Lomas-Neira Joanne , Chen Yaping , McLeish Kenneth R , Uriarte Silvia M , Chung Chun-Shiang , Ayala Alfred 
Published: January 2014

Respiratory burst function of neutrophils is thought to play a pivotal role in the development of pathologies such as indirect (extra-pulmonary) acute lung injury (iALI), as well as sepsis. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of an HIV transactivator of transcription (TAT)-fusion protein containing a soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor domain from synaptosome-associated protein-23 (SNAP-23) on the shock/sepsis- and sepsis-enhanced neutrophil burst capacity using the clinical relevant two-hit iALI mouse model and the classical cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) septic model. TAT-SNAP-23 significantly decreased the blood neutrophil respiratory burst in vitro, and also in vivo in CLP and hemorrhaged mice. We found that the neutrophil influx to the lung tissue, as measured by myeloperoxidase levels and neutrophil-specific esterase+ cells, was also decreased in the TAT-SNAP-23-treated group. Consistent with this, treatment of TAT-SNAP-23 significantly reduced the disruption of lung tissue architecture and protein concentration of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in iALI mice compared with vehicle-treated iALI mice. In addition, although TAT-SNAP-23 did not alter the extent of local cytokine/chemokine expression, the in vitro migration capacity of neutrophils was blunted from septic and hemorrhagic mice. These data support our hypothesis that TAT-SNAP-23 reduces neutrophil dysfunction in iALI and sepsis by inhibiting neutrophil respiratory burst.
Hospital admissions and exercise capacity decline in patients with COPD
Authors: Ramon Maria A. , Gimeno-Santos Elena , Ferrer Jaume , Balcells Eva , Rodríguez Esther , de Batlle Jordi , Gómez Federico P. , Sauleda Jaume , Ferrer Antoni , Barberà Joan A. , Agustí Alvar , Gea Joaquim , Rodriguez-Roisin Robert , Antó Josep M. , Garcia-Aymerich Judith ,   the PAC-COPD Study Group
Published: January 2014

Exercise capacity declines with time and is an important determinant of health status and prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We hypothesised that hospital admissions are associated with exercise capacity decline in these patients.Clinical and functional variables were collected for 342 clinically stable COPD patients. The 6-min walk distance (6MWD) was determined at baseline and after a mean±sdof 1.7±0.3 years. Information on hospitalisations during follow-up was obtained from centralised administrative databases. Linear regression was used to model changes in exercise capacity.Patients were mostly male (92%), with mean±sdage 67.9±8.6 years, post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s 54±17% predicted and baseline 6MWD 433±93 m. During follow-up, 6MWD decreased by 21.9±51.0 m·year−1and 153 (45%) patients were hospitalised at least once. Among patients admitted only for COPD-related causes (50% of those ever admitted), the proportion presenting a clinically significant loss of 6MWD was higher than in patients admitted for only nonrespiratory conditions (53%versus29%, p=0.040). After adjusting for confounders, annual 6MWD decline was greater (26 m·year−1, 95% CI 13–38 m·year−1; p<0.001) in patients with more than one all-cause hospitalisation per year, as compared with those with no hospitalisations.Hospitalisations are related to a greater decline in exercise capacity in COPD.
Tuberculosis elimination: theory and practice in Europe
Authors: D'Ambrosio Lia , Dara Masoud , Tadolini Marina , Centis Rosella , Sotgiu Giovanni , van der Werf Marieke J. , Gaga Mina , Cirillo Daniela , Spanevello Antonio , Raviglione Mario , Blasi Francesco , Migliori Giovanni Battista 
Published: January 2014

Although Europe identified the pathway to tuberculosis (TB) elimination in 1990, no information on programmes for country preparedness is available.A questionnaire investigating TB elimination activities was submitted to 38 national TB programme representatives of low TB incidence (<20 cases per 100 000 population) European countries/territories of the World Health Organization European region.Out of 31 providing a complete answer, 17 (54.8%) reported to have a dedicated national TB programme, 20 (64.5%) a national plan including TB elimination (13 (41.9%) including targets), 22 (71%) guidelines, 14 (45.2%) a specific budget for TB activities, and 23 (74.2%) TB reference centres. All countries reported having case-based electronic TB surveillance, 19 (61.3%) perform regular supervision, 12 (38.7%) have a monitoring and evaluation plan and five (16.1%) perform modelling. In three countries (9.7%), TB health services are free for insured individuals only. In 22 countries/territories (71%) not all TB drugs were available, while in 12 (38.7%) drug stock-outs have been described. Although high-risk group screening for latent TB infection is performed by the majority of countries, only 6 (19.4%) provided figures on preventive treatment completion rates.Not all elements identified as essential for country preparedness to achieve TB elimination are available in the countries surveyed.
Tuberculosis mortality: patient characteristics and causes
Authors: Lin Chou-Han , Lin Chou-Jui , Kuo Yao-Wen , Wang Jann-Yuan , Hsu Chia-Lin , Chen Jong-Min , Cheng Wern-Cherng , Lee Li-Na 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
In the antibiotic era, tuberculosis (TB) still causes a substantial number of mortalities. We aimed to identify the causes and risks of death among TB patients.

Methods
Medical records of mortality cases of culture-proven TB diagnosed during 2003–2007 were reviewed. All TB deaths were classified into 2 groups (TB-related and non-TB-related), based on the underlying cause of death.

Results
During the study period, 2016 cases (male: 71.1%) of culture-proven TB were identified. The mean age was 59.3 (range: 0.3–96) years. The overall mortality rate was 12.3% (249 cases) and the mean age at death was 74 years; 17.3% (43 cases) of all TB deaths were TB-related. Most of the TB-related deaths occurred early (median survival: 20 days), and the patient died of septic shock. Malignancy, liver cirrhosis, renal failure, and miliary and pneumonic radiographic patterns were all independent predictors for all TB deaths. Cavitary, miliary and pneumonic radiographic patterns were all significant predictive factors for TB-related death. Extrapulmonary involvement and liver cirrhosis were also factors contributing to TB-related death.

Conclusions
The majority of TB deaths were ascribed to non-TB-related causes. Managing TB as well as underlying comorbidities in a multidisciplinary approach is essential to improve the outcome of patients in an aging population. However, the clinical manifestations of patients with TB-related death vary; many progressed to fulminant septic shock requiring timely recognition with prompt treatment to prevent early death.
Reduced ADAMTS13 activity is associated with an ADAMTS13 SNP, fever and microparticles in a malaria-like model
Authors: Kraisin Sirima , Palasuwan Attakorn , Popruk Supaluk , Nantakomol Duangdao 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Severe falciparum malaria (SM) remains a major cause of death in tropical countries. The reduced activity of ADAMTS13, increasing levels of ultra-large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) in SM patients, are assumed as factors that intensify disease severity. However, the reason why ADAMTS13 activity is reduced in SM remains unclear.

Objectives
To investigate whether rs4962153, febrile temperature, and microparticles, contribute to reduced ADAMTS13 activity.

Methods
Genotypic association of rs4962153 with ADAMTS13 antigen and activity was examined in 362 healthy Thai participants. The collagen binding assay was used to study the effects of febrile temperature and microparticles on ADAMTS13 activity.

Results
ADAMTS13 antigen and activity were decreased in participants with AA genotype, compared to AG and GG (antigen: p-value = 0.014, and < 0.001; activity: p-value = 0.036, and < 0.002, respectively). There was significantly reduced ADAMTS13 antigen in AG compared to GG (p-value = 0.013), but not in ADAMTS13 activity (p-value = 0.082). The number of rs4962153 A alleles correlated with the reduced level of antigen and activity (p-value <0.001 and p-value = 0.001, respectively). MPs showed an inhibitory effect on ADAMTS13 activity (p-value = 0.025). Finally, ADAMTS13 activity was decreased in a temperature and time-dependent manner. The interaction between these two factors was also observed (p-value <0.001).

Conclusions
These findings suggest that the A allele of rs4962153, MPs, and febrile temperature, contribute to reduce ADAMTS13 activity in plasma. These data are useful in malaria or other diseases with reduced ADAMTS13 activity.
Improving malaria knowledge and practices in rural Myanmar through a village health worker intervention: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lwin Moh Moh , Sudhinaraset May , San Aung Kyaw , Aung Tin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Since 2008 the Sun Primary Health (SPH) franchise programme has networked and branded community health workers in rural Myanmar to provide high quality malaria information and treatment. The purpose of this paper is to compare the malaria knowledge level and health practices of individuals in SPH intervention areas to individuals without SPH intervention

Methods
This study uses data from a cross-sectional household survey of 1,040 individuals living in eight rural townships to compare the knowledge level of individuals in SPH intervention areas to individuals without SPH intervention.

Results
This study found that the presence of a SPH provider in the community is associated with increased malaria knowledge and higher likelihood of going to trained providers for fevers. Furthermore, the study found a dose–response, where the longer the duration of the programme in a community, the greater the community knowledge level.

Conclusion
The study suggests that community health workers might have significant impact on malaria-related mortality and morbidity in rural Myanmar.
XB130 promotes proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Shi Min , Zheng Dayong , Sun Li , Wang Lin , Lin Li , Wu Yajun , Zhou Minyu , Liao Wenjun , Liao Yulin , Zuo Qiang , Liao Wangjun 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
XB130 has been reported to be expressed by various types of cells such as thyroid cancer and esophageal cancer cells, and it promotes the proliferation and invasion of thyroid cancer cells. Our previous study demonstrated that XB130 is also expressed in gastric cancer (GC), and that its expression is associated with the prognosis, but the role of XB130 in GC has not been well characterized.

Methods
In this study, we investigated the influence of XB130 on gastric tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo and in vitro using the MTT assay, clonogenic assay, BrdU incorporation assay, 3D culture, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Western blot analysis was also performed to identify the potential mechanisms involved.

Results
The proliferation, migration, and invasion of SGC7901 and MNK45 gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines were all significantly inhibited by knockdown of XB130 using small hairpin RNA. In a xenograft model, tumor growth was markedly inhibited after shXB130-transfected GC cells were implanted into nude mice. After XB130 knockdown, GC cells showed a more epithelial-like phenotype, suggesting an inhibition of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, silencing of XB130 reduced the expression of p-Akt/Akt, upregulated expression of epithelial markers including E-cadherin, α-catenin and β-catenin, and downregulated mesenchymal markers including fibronectin and vimentin. Expression of oncoproteins related to tumor metastasis, such as MMP2, MMP9, and CD44, was also significantly reduced.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that XB130 enhances cell motility and invasiveness by modulating the EMT-like process, while silencing XB130 in GC suppresses tumorigenesis and metastasis, suggesting that it may be a potential therapeutic target.
Energy-efficient mobile tracking in heterogeneous networks using node selection
Authors: Hadzic Senka , Yang Du , Violas Manuel , Rodriguez Jonathan 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Range-based positioning is capable of achieving better accuracy in heterogeneous networks, where mobile nodes enabled with multiple radio access technologies are allowed to deploy not only the faraway access points but also high spatial density peer nodes as anchor nodes. However, due to peer node energy supply constraint and network capacity constraint, an efficient cooperation strategy is required. In this paper, we propose a cooperation method to track the position of a moving target with high accuracy and reduce the energy consumption and signaling overhead via node selection. It is demonstrated by simulation that in a specific practical scenario, the proposed method is capable of reducing the signaling overhead by about 34% to within 0.5-m degradation of accuracy compared to exhaustive cooperation. We also evaluate the achievable performance averaged over randomly located node configurations and compare the proposed scheme with the mostly used nearest-node selection algorithm in terms of accuracy and cost.
Optimal set of grid size and angular increment for practical dose calculation using the dynamic conformal arc technique: a systematic evaluation of the dosimetric effects in lung stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Park Ji-Yeon , Kim Siyong , Park Hae-Jin , Lee Jeong-Woo , Kim Yeon-Sil , Suh Tae-Suk 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Purpose
To recommend the optimal plan parameter set of grid size and angular increment for dose calculations in treatment planning for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using dynamic conformal arc therapy (DCAT) considering both accuracy and computational efficiency.

Materials and methods
Dose variations with varying grid sizes (2, 3, and 4 mm) and angular increments (2°, 4°, 6°, and 10°) were analyzed in a thorax phantom for 3 spherical target volumes and in 9 patient cases. A 2-mm grid size and 2° angular increment are assumed sufficient to serve as reference values. The dosimetric effect was evaluated using dose–volume histograms, monitor units (MUs), and dose to organs at risk (OARs) for a definite volume corresponding to the dose–volume constraint in lung SBRT. The times required for dose calculations using each parameter set were compared for clinical practicality.

Results
Larger grid sizes caused a dose increase to the structures and required higher MUs to achieve the target coverage. The discrete beam arrangements at each angular increment led to over- and under-estimated OARs doses due to the undulating dose distribution. When a 2° angular increment was used in both studies, a 4-mm grid size changed the dose variation by up to 3–4% (50 cGy) for the heart and the spinal cord, while a 3-mm grid size produced a dose difference of <1% (12 cGy) in all tested OARs. When a 3-mm grid size was employed, angular increments of 6° and 10° caused maximum dose variations of 3% (23 cGy) and 10% (61 cGy) in the spinal cord, respectively, while a 4° increment resulted in a dose difference of <1% (8 cGy) in all cases except for that of one patient. The 3-mm grid size and 4° angular increment enabled a 78% savings in computation time without making any critical sacrifices to dose accuracy.

Conclusions
A parameter set with a 3-mm grid size and a 4° angular increment is found to be appropriate for predicting patient dose distributions with a dose difference below 1% while reducing the computation time by more than half for lung SBRT using DCAT.
Identifying the Zheng in psoriatic patients based on latent class analysis of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms and signs
Authors: Yang Xuesong , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi , Lerkiatbundit Sanguan , Ye Jianzhou , Ouyang Xiaoyong , Yang Enpin , Sriplung Hutcha 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
There are approximately five Zhengs reported in psoriatic patients. Systematic data collection and proper analysis for the classification of psoriasis have been lacking. This study aims to cluster the Zhengs in psoriatic patients based on the application of a checklist of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms and signs followed by latent class analysis (LCA).

Methods
A cross-sectional study of 507 psoriatic patients aged above 10 years was performed in Yunnan Provincial Hospital of TCM and the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medicine University from October 2010 to September 2011 using a TCM symptoms and signs checklist obtained from 16 TCM experts by the Delphi technique. LCA was applied to obtain the best fitted model for clustering of symptoms and signs that can be interpreted as underlying Zhengs of psoriasis.

Results
The LCA identified three Zhengs: dampness-heat Zheng (35.1%); blood heat Zheng (34.7%); and yin deficiency and blood dryness Zheng (30.2%). The first Zheng was associated with winter, the second with male sex, old age, smoking, and drinking alcohol, and the third with outpatient status, which reflected a mild disease course.

Conclusions
In this study, 507 psoriasis patients were clustered into three Zheng s, which had different associated factors.
Prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis among school children in the district of Niakhar, region of Fatick, Senegal
Authors: Senghor Bruno , Diallo Aldiouma , Sylla Seydou N , Doucouré Souleymane , Ndiath Mamadou O , Gaayeb Lobna , Djuikwo-Teukeng Félicité F , Bâ Cheikh T , Sokhna Cheikh 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Urinary schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that exists in all regions of Senegal. It is a major public health issue in this country. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and intensity of this parasitosis in 12 villages of Niakhar (Fatick, Senegal).

Methods
A total of 210 schoolchildren, aged 7 to 15 years, were enrolled in this study, and urine samples were examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs using a standard urine filtration technique.

Results
Of these children, 121 (57.6%) were found to be infected with a mean geometric count of 185 eggs per 10 ml of urine. The disease was present in all surveyed villages, and the prevalence ranged from 14.3% to 92.8%. The prevalence of infection was significantly correlated with increasing age and was higher in boys. Infection intensity was significantly higher in boys but did not significantly differ with age. Significant relationships between i) water contact or access to running water and ii) the prevalence or intensity of urinary schistosomiasis were also noted.

Conclusions
The district of Niakhar is endemic for urinary schistosomiasis, with a high intensity of infection. A control program to decrease the prevalence and intensity should be implemented in this area to improve community health.
Targeting the programmed cell death 1: programmed cell death ligand 1 pathway reverses T cell exhaustion in patients with sepsis
Authors: Chang Katherine , Svabek Catherine , Vazquez-Guillamet Cristina , Sato Bryan , Rasche David , Wilson Strother , Robbins Paul , Ulbrandt Nancy , Suzich JoAnn , Green Jonathan , Patera Andriani C , Blair Wade , Krishnan Subramaniam , Hotchkiss Richard 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
A major pathophysiologic mechanism in sepsis is impaired host immunity which results in failure to eradicate invading pathogens and increased susceptibility to secondary infections. Although many immunosuppressive mechanisms exist, increased expression of the inhibitory receptor programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) are thought to play key roles. The newly recognized phenomenon of T cell exhaustion is mediated in part by PD-1 effects on T cells. This study tested the ability of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies to prevent apoptosis and improve lymphocyte function in septic patients.

Methods
Blood was obtained from 43 septic and 15 non-septic critically-ill patients. Effects of anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or isotype-control antibody on lymphocyte apoptosis and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production were quantitated by flow cytometry.

Results
Lymphocytes from septic patients produced decreased IFN-γ and IL-2 and had increased CD8 T cell expression of PD-1 and decreased PD-L1 expression compared to non-septic patients (P<0.05). Monocytes from septic patients had increased PD-L1 and decreased HLA-DR expression compared to non-septic patients (P<0.01). CD8 T cell expression of PD-1 increased over time in ICU as PD-L1, IFN-γ, and IL2 decreased. In addition, donors with the highest CD8 PD-1 expression together with the lowest CD8 PD-L1 expression also had lower levels of HLA-DR expression in monocytes, and an increased rate of secondary infections, suggestive of a more immune exhausted phenotype. Treatment of cells from septic patients with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody decreased apoptosis and increased IFN-γ and IL-2 production in septic patients; (P<0.01). The percentage of CD4 T cells that were PD-1 positive correlated with the degree of cellular apoptosis (P<0.01).

Conclusions
In vitro blockade of the PD-1:PD-L1 pathway decreases apoptosis and improves immune cell function in septic patients. The current results together with multiple positive studies of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 in animal models of bacterial and fungal infections and the relative safety profile of anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 in human oncology trials to date strongly support the initiation of clinical trials testing these antibodies in sepsis, a disorder with a high mortality.