bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical analysis of composite-film hydrodynamic bearings
Authors: Szeri Andras 
Published: November 2012

Major aspects that influence quality and efficiency of the hydrodynamic lubrication of tribological contacts are the surface properties of the contact, the properties of the lubricant, and the structure of the lubricant film. In search for efficiency, past approaches focused on surface modification techniques (surface texturing) and modification of lubricant properties (lubricant additives). The idea in this article is to modify the structure of the lubricant film itself. In contrast to a traditional bearing, the composite-film bearing advocated here relies on a double-layer, composite, lubricant film for separating the load-bearing surfaces. (One of the Reviewers pointed out that ‘the functions of friction modifiers and antiwear additives are to form a boundary lubrication layer, which has a higher apparent viscosity than the bulk lubrication oil, and resulting in a sandwich structure of lubrication film. In this sense, the composite film lubrication has been used in many practical tribosystems already’.)  Our first version of the composite-film bearing was based on an observation that to minimize frictional losses, two immiscible liquids of distinct viscosities will arrange into (stable) configurations that separates the component liquids while concentrating shear deformation in the low viscosity component. However, particularly in turbulent flow of the lubricant, reliance on the above principle might not be adequate, and, in this article, we offer a new composite-film bearing construct in which actual physical boundary separates the two component films. For journal bearings, this naturally leads to the concept of the ‘floating-ring’ bearing, with two distinctly different lubricants occupying the inside and the outside clearance spaces. We show here that the new version of the composite-film bearing, i.e. a floating-ring bearing lubricated with two distinctly different liquids, performs not unlike its first kind; specifically, its application leads to substantial reduction of viscous losses, over 90% in some cases, while maintaining safe film dimensions.
Vascular Gas6 contributes to thrombogenesis and promotes tissue factor up-regulation after vessel injury in mice
Authors: Robins Richard S. , Lemarié Catherine A. , Laurance Sandrine , Aghourian Meghedi N. , Wu Jianqiu , Blostein Mark D. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Gas6 (growth-arrest specific gene 6) plays a role in thrombus stabilization. Gas6 null (−/−) mice are protected from lethal venous and arterial thromboembolism through platelet signaling defects induced only by 5μM ADP and 10μM of the thromboxane analog, U46619. This subtle platelet defect, despite a dramatic clinical phenotype, raises the possibility that Gas6 from a source other than platelets contributes to thrombus formation. Thus, we hypothesize that Gas6 derived from the vascular wall plays a role in venous thrombus formation. Bone marrow transplantation and platelet depletion/reconstitution experiments generating mice with selective ablations of Gas6 from either the hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic compartments demonstrate an approximately equal contribution by Gas6 from both compartments to thrombus formation. Tissue factor expression was significantly reduced in the vascular wall of Gas6−/− mice compared with WT. In vitro, thrombin-induced tissue factor expression was reduced in Gas6−/− endothelial cells compared with wild-type endothelium. Taken together, these results demonstrate that vascular Gas6 contributes to thrombus formation in vivo and can be explained by the ability of Gas6 to promote tissue factor expression and activity. These findings support the notion that vascular wall-derived Gas6 may play a pathophysiologic role in venous thromboembolism.
Plasmid DNA immunization with Trypanosoma cruzi genes induces cardiac and clinical protection against Chagas disease in the canine model
Authors: Rodríguez-Morales Olivia , Pérez-Leyva M Magdalena , Ballinas-Verdugo Martha A , Carrillo-Sánchez Silvia C , Rosales-Encina J Luis , Alejandre-Aguilar Ricardo , Reyes Pedro A , Arce-Fonseca Minerva 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe only existing preventive measure against American trypanosomosis, or Chagas disease, is the control of the transmitting insect, which has only been effective in a few South American regions. Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent this disease. Here, we present the clinical and cardiac levels of protection induced by expression toTrypanosoma cruzigenes encoding theTcSP andTcSSP4 proteins in the canine model. Physical examination, diagnostic chagasic serology, and serial electrocardiograms were performed before and after immunization, as well as after experimental infection. We found that immunization with recombinant plasmids prevented hyperthermia in the acute phase of experimental infection and produced lymphadenomegaly as an immunological response against the parasite and additionally prevented heart rate elevation (tachycardia) in the acute and/or chronic stages of infection. Immunization withT. cruzigenes encoding theTcSP andTcSSP4 antigens diminished the quality and quantity of the electrocardiographic abnormalities, thereby avoiding progression to more severe developments such as right bundle branch block or ventricular premature complexes in a greater number of dogs.
An investigation of the resolution of inflammation (catabasis) in COPD
Authors: Noguera Aina , Gomez Cristina , Faner Rosa , Cosio Borja , González-Périz Ana , Clària Joan , Carvajal Angel , Agustí Alvar 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by an enhanced inflammatory response to smoking that persists despite quitting. The resolution of inflammation (catabasis) is a complex and highly regulated process where tissue resident macrophages play a key role since they phagocytose apoptotic cells (efferocytosis), preventing their secondary necrosis and the spill-over of their pro-inflammatory cytoplasmic content, and release pro-resolution and tissue repair molecules, such as TGFβ, VEGF and HGF. Because inflammation does not resolve in COPD, we hypothesized that catabasis may be abnormal in these patients.

Methods
To explore this hypothesis, we studied lung tissue samples obtained at surgery from 21 COPD patients, 22 smokers with normal spirometry and 13 non-smokers controls. In these samples we used: (1) immunohistochemistry to assess the expression of CD44, CD36, VEGF and TGFβ in lung macrophages; (2) real time PCR to determine HGF, PPARγ, TGFβ, VEGF and MMP-9 gene expression; and, (3) ELISA to quantify lipoxin A4, a lipid mediator of catabasis.

Results
We found that current and former smokers with COPD showed: (1) more inflammation (higher MMP-9 expression); (2) reduced macrophage surface expression of CD44, a key efferocytosis receptor; and, (3) similar levels of TGFβ, VEGF, HGF, PPARγ, and lipoxin A4 than smokers with normal spirometry, despite the presence of inflammation and disease.

Conclusions
These results identify several potential abnormalities of catabasis in patients with COPD.
Nucleolin mediates the antiangiogenesis effect of the pseudopeptide N6L
Authors: Birmpas Charalampos , Briand Jean Paul , Courty Josẻ , Katsoris Panagiotis 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Nucleolin is a protein over-expressed on the surface of activated cells. Recent studies have underlined the involvement of cell surface nucleolin in angiogenesis processes. This cell surface molecule serves as a receptor for various ligands implicated in pathophysiological processes such as growth factors, cell adhesion molecules like integrins, selectins or laminin-1, lipoproteins and viruses. N6L is a synthetic multimeric pseudopeptide that binds cell surface expressed nucleolin and inhibits cell proliferation.

Results
In the present work, we further investigated the mechanisms of action of pseudopeptide N6L on angiogenesis using HUVECs. We provide evidence that N6L inhibits the in vitro adhesion, proliferation and migration of HUVECs without inducing their apoptosis. In addition, we found that N6L downregulates MMP-2 in HUVECs. The above biological actions are regulated by SRC, ERK1/2, AKT and FAK kinases as we found that N6L inhibits their activation in HUVECs. Finally, down regulation of nucleolin using siRNA demonstrated the implication of nucleolin in the biological actions of these peptides.

Conclusions
Taken together, these results indicate that N6L could constitute an interesting therapeutic tool for treating diseases associated with excessive angiogenesis.
Anopheles salivary gland proteomes from major malaria vectors
Authors: Fontaine Albin , Fusaï Thierry , Briolant Sébastien , Buffet Sylvain , Villard Claude , Baudelet Emilie , Pophillat Mathieu , Granjeaud Samuel , Rogier Christophe , Almeras Lionel 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Antibody responses against Anopheles salivary proteins can indicate individual exposure to bites of malaria vectors. The extent to which these salivary proteins are species-specific is not entirely resolved. Thus, a better knowledge of the diversity among salivary protein repertoires from various malaria vector species is necessary to select relevant genus-, subgenus- and/or species-specific salivary antigens. Such antigens could be used for quantitative (mosquito density) and qualitative (mosquito species) immunological evaluation of malaria vectors/host contact. In this study, salivary gland protein repertoires (sialomes) from several Anopheles species were compared using in silico analysis and proteomics. The antigenic diversity of salivary gland proteins among different Anopheles species was also examined.

Results

In silico analysis of secreted salivary gland protein sequences retrieved from an NCBInr database of six Anopheles species belonging to the Cellia subgenus (An. gambiae, An. arabiensis, An. stephensi and An. funestus) and Nyssorhynchus subgenus (An. albimanus and An. darlingi) displayed a higher degree of similarity compared to salivary proteins from closely related Anopheles species. Additionally, computational hierarchical clustering allowed identification of genus-, subgenus- and species-specific salivary proteins. Proteomic and immunoblot analyses performed on salivary gland extracts from four Anopheles species (An. gambiae, An. arabiensis, An. stephensi and An. albimanus) indicated that heterogeneity of the salivary proteome and antigenic proteins was lower among closely related anopheline species and increased with phylogenetic distance.

Conclusion
This is the first report on the diversity of the salivary protein repertoire among species from the Anopheles genus at the protein level. This work demonstrates that a molecular diversity is exhibited among salivary proteins from closely related species despite their common pharmacological activities. The involvement of these proteins as antigenic candidates for genus-, subgenus- or species-specific immunological evaluation of individual exposure to Anopheles bites is discussed.
The Schistosoma mansoni phylome: using evolutionary genomics to gain insight into a parasite’s biology
Authors: Silva Larissa Lopes , Marcet-Houben Marina , Nahum Laila Alves , Zerlotini Adhemar , Gabaldón Toni , Oliveira Guilherme 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background

Schistosoma mansoni is one of the causative agents of schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects about 237 million people worldwide. Despite recent efforts, we still lack a general understanding of the relevant host-parasite interactions, and the possible treatments are limited by the emergence of resistant strains and the absence of a vaccine. The S. mansoni genome was completely sequenced and still under continuous annotation. Nevertheless, more than 45% of the encoded proteins remain without experimental characterization or even functional prediction. To improve our knowledge regarding the biology of this parasite, we conducted a proteome-wide evolutionary analysis to provide a broad view of the S. mansoni’s proteome evolution and to improve its functional annotation.

Results
Using a phylogenomic approach, we reconstructed the S. mansoni phylome, which comprises the evolutionary histories of all parasite proteins and their homologs across 12 other organisms. The analysis of a total of 7,964 phylogenies allowed a deeper understanding of genomic complexity and evolutionary adaptations to a parasitic lifestyle. In particular, the identification of lineage-specific gene duplications pointed to the diversification of several protein families that are relevant for host-parasite interaction, including proteases, tetraspanins, fucosyltransferases, venom allergen-like proteins, and tegumental-allergen-like proteins. In addition to the evolutionary knowledge, the phylome data enabled us to automatically re-annotate 3,451 proteins through a phylogenetic-based approach rather than solely sequence similarity searches. To allow further exploitation of this valuable data, all information has been made available at PhylomeDB (http://www.phylomedb.org).

Conclusions
In this study, we used an evolutionary approach to assess S. mansoni parasite biology, improve genome/proteome functional annotation, and provide insights into host-parasite interactions. Taking advantage of a proteome-wide perspective rather than focusing on individual proteins, we identified that this parasite has experienced specific gene duplication events, particularly affecting genes that are potentially related to the parasitic lifestyle. These innovations may be related to the mechanisms that protect S. mansoni against host immune responses being important adaptations for the parasite survival in a potentially hostile environment. Continuing this work, a comparative analysis involving genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data from other helminth parasites, other parasites, and vectors will supply more information regarding parasite’s biology as well as host-parasite interactions.
Effect of laparoscopic splenectomy in patients with Hepatitis C and cirrhosis carrying IL28B minor genotype
Authors: Motomura Takashi , Shirabe Ken , Furusyo Norihiro , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Ikegami Toru , Soejima Yuji , Akahoshi Tomohiko , Tomikawa Morimasa , Fukuhara Takasuke , Hayashi Jun , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
IL28B and ITPA genetic variants are associated with the outcome of pegylated-interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) therapy. However, the significance of these genetic variants in cirrhotic patients following splenectomy has not been determined.

Methods
Thirty-seven patients with HCV-induced cirrhosis who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy (Spx group) and 90 who did not (non-Spx group) were genotyped for IL28B and ITPA. The outcome or adverse effects were compared in each group. Interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) and protein kinase R expression in the spleen was measured using total RNA extracted from exenterate spleen.

Results
Sustained virological response (SVR) rate was higher in patients carrying IL28B major genotype following splenectomy (50% vs 27.3%) and in patients carrying minor genotype in the Spx group compared to non-Spx group (27.3% vs 3.6%, P < 0.05). Pretreatment splenic ISG expression was higher in patients carrying IL28B major. There was no difference in progression of anemia or thrombocytopenia between patients carrying each ITPA genotype in the Spx group. Although splenectomy did not increase hemoglobin (Hb) level, Hb decline tended to be greater in the non-Spx group. In contrast, splenectomy significantly increased platelet count (61.1 × 103/μl vs 168.7 × 103/μl, P < 0.01), which was maintained during the course of PEG-IFN/RBV therapy.

Conclusions
IL28B genetic variants correlated with response to PEG-IFN/RBV following splenectomy. Splenectomy improved SVR rate among patients carrying IL28B minor genotype and protected against anemia and thrombocytopenia during the course of PEG-IFN/RBV therapy regardless of ITPA genotype.
Pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus infection and TNF, LTA, IL1B, IL6, IL8, and CCLpolymorphisms in Mexican population: a case–control study
Authors: Morales-García Guadalupe , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés , García-Ramírez Román Alejandro , Camarena Ángel , Ramirez-Venegas Alejandra , Castillejos-López Manuel , Pérez-Rodríguez Martha , González-Bonilla César , Grajales-Muñíz Concepción , Borja-Aburto Víctor , Mejía-Aranguré Juan Manuel 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Some patients have a greater response to viral infection than do others having a similar level of viral replication. Hypercytokinemia is the principal immunopathological mechanism that contributes to a severer clinical course in cases of influenza A/H1N1. The benefit produced, or damage caused, by these cytokines in severe disease is not known. The genes that code for these molecules are polymorphic and certain alleles have been associated with susceptibility to various diseases. The objective of the present study was to determine whether there was an association between polymorphisms of TNF, LTA, IL1B, IL6, IL8, and CCL1 and the infection and severity of the illness caused by the pandemic A/H1N1 in Mexico in 2009.

Methods
Case–control study. The cases were patients confirmed with real time PCR with infection by the A/H1N1 pandemic virus. The controls were patients with infection like to influenza and non-familial healthy contacts of the patients with influenza. Medical history and outcome of the disease was registered. The DNA samples were genotyped for polymorphisms TNF rs361525, rs1800629, and rs1800750; LTA rs909253; IL1B rs16944; IL6 rs1818879; IL8 rs4073; and CCL1 rs2282691. Odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. The logistic regression model was adjusted by age and severity of the illness in cases.

Results
Infection with the pandemic A/H1N1 virus was associated with the following genotypes: TNF rs361525 AA, OR = 27.00; 95% CI = 3.07–1248.77); LTA rs909253 AG (OR = 4.33, 95% CI = 1.82–10.32); TNF rs1800750 AA (OR = 4.33, 95% CI = 1.48–12.64); additionally, LTA rs909253 AG showed a limited statistically significant association with mortality (p = 0.06, OR = 3.13). Carriers of the TNF rs1800629 GA genotype were associated with high levels of blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.05); those of the TNF rs1800750 AA genotype, with high levels of creatine phosphokinase (p=0.05). The IL1B rs16944 AA genotype was associated with an elevated number of leukocytes (p <0.001) and the IL8 rs4073 AA genotype, with a higher value for PaO2 mm Hg.

Conclusion
The polymorphisms of genes involved in the inflammatory process contributed to the severity of the clinical behavior of infection by the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus.
A descriptive study of reportable gastrointestinal illnesses in Ontario, Canada, from 2007 to 2009
Authors: Vrbova Linda , Johnson Karen , Whitfield Yvonne , Middleton Dean 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Gastrointestinal illnesses (GI) continue to pose a substantial burden in terms of morbidity and economic impact in Canada. We describe the epidemiology of reportable GI in Ontario by characterizing the incidence of each reportable GI, as well as associated demographics, clinical outcomes, seasonality, risk settings, and likely sources of infection.

Methods
Reports on laboratory confirmed cases of amebiasis, botulism, campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis, cyclosporiasis, giardiasis, hepatitis A, listeriosis, paratyphoid fever, salmonellosis, shigellosis, typhoid fever, illness due to verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC-illness), and yersiniosis, from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009 were obtained from Ontario’s passive reportable disease surveillance system. Cases were classified by history of relevant travel, association with outbreaks, and likely source of infection, obtained through follow-up of reported cases by local health authorities.

Results
There were 29,897 GI reported by health authorities in Ontario from 2007 to 2009. The most frequently reported diseases were campylobacteriosis (10,916 cases or 36.5% of all GI illnesses) and salmonellosis (7,514 cases, 25.1%). Overall, 26.9% of GI cases reported travel outside of Ontario during the relevant incubation period. Children four years of age and younger had the highest incidence rate for most GI, and significantly more (54.8%, p<0.001) cases occurred among males than females. The most commonly reported sources of infections were food (54.2%), animals (19.8%), and contact with ill persons (16.9%). Private homes (45.5%) and food premises (29.7%) were the most commonly reported exposure settings. Domestic cases of campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, salmonellosis, and VTEC-illness showed seasonal patterns with incidence peaking in the summer months.

Conclusions
Reportable GI continues to be a burden in Ontario. Since more than one in four GI cases experienced in Ontario were acquired outside of the province, international travel is an important risk factor for most GI. Because private homes are the most commonly reported risk settings and the main suspect sources of infection are food, animal contact and ill persons, these findings support the continued need for public health food safety programs, public education on safe handling of food and animals, and proper hand hygiene practices.
Singing classes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lord Victoria M , Hume Victoria J , Kelly Julia L , Cave Phoene , Silver Judith , Waldman Maya , White Chris , Smith Cayley , Tanner Rebecca , Sanchez Melissa , Man William D-C , Polkey Michael I , Hopkinson Nicholas S 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
There is some evidence that singing lessons may be of benefit to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not clear how much of this benefit is specific to singing and how much relates to the classes being a group activity that addresses social isolation.

Methods
Patients were randomised to either singing classes or a film club for eight weeks. Response was assessed quantitatively through health status questionnaires, measures of breathing control, exercise capacity and physical activity and qualitatively, through structured interviews with a clinical psychologist.

Results
The singing group (n=13 mean(SD) FEV1 44.4(14.4)% predicted) and film group (n=11 FEV1 63.5(25.5)%predicted) did not differ significantly at baseline. There was a significant difference between the response of the physical component score of the SF-36, favouring the singing group +12.9(19.0) vs -0.25(11.9) (p=0.02), but no difference in response of the mental component score of the SF-36, breathing control measures, exercise capacity or daily physical activity. In the qualitative element, positive effects on physical well-being were reported in the singing group but not the film group.

Conclusion
Singing classes have an impact on health status distinct from that achieved simply by taking part in a group activity.

Trials registration
Registration Current Controlled Trials - ISRCTN17544114