bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic and prognostic utility of soluble CD 14 subtype (presepsin) for severe sepsis and septic shock during the first week of intensive care treatment
Authors: Behnes Michael , Bertsch Thomas , Lepiorz Dominic , Lang Siegfried , Trinkmann Frederik , Brueckmann Martina , Borggrefe Martin , Hoffmann Ursula 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of presepsin in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock during the first week of ICU treatment.

Methods
In total, 116 patients with suspected severe sepsis or septic shock were included during the first 24 hours of ICU treatment. Blood samples for biomarker measurements of presepsin, procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBC) were drawn at days 1, 3 and 8. All patients were followed up for six months. Biomarkers were tested for diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis, septic shock and for prognosis of 30-days and 6-months all-cause mortality at days 1, 3 and 8. Diagnostic and prognostic utilities were tested by determining diagnostic cutoff levels, goodness criteria, C-statistics and multivariable Cox regression models.

Results
Presepsin increased significantly from the lowest to most severe sepsis groups at days 1, 3 and 8 (test for linear trend P <0.03). Presepsin levels revealed valuable diagnostic capacity to diagnose severe sepsis and septic shock at days 1, 3 and 8 (range of diagnostic area under the curves (AUC) 0.72 to 0.84, P = 0.0001) compared to IL-6, PCT, CRP and WBC. Goodness criteria for diagnosis of sepsis severity were analyzed (≥sepsis, cutoff = 530 pg/ml; ≥severe sepsis, cutoff = 600 pg/ml; ≥septic shock, cutoff = 700 pg/ml; P <0.03). Presepsin levels revealed significant prognostic value for 30 days and 6 months all-cause mortality (presepsin: range of AUC 0.64 to 0.71, P <0.02). Patients with presepsin levels of the 4th quartile were 5 to 7 times more likely to die after six months than patients with lower levels. The prognostic value for all-cause mortality of presepsin was comparable to that of IL-6 and better than that of PCT, CRP or WBC.

Conclusions
In patients with suspected severe sepsis and septic shock, presepsin reveals valuable diagnostic capacity to differentiate sepsis severity compared to PCT, IL-6, CRP, WBC. Additionally, presepsin and IL-6 reveal prognostic value with respect to 30 days and 6 months all-cause mortality throughout the first week of ICU treatment.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01535534. Registered 14 February 2012.
Fuzzy fixed point theorems for fuzzy mappings via β-admissible with applications
Authors: Phiangsungnoen Supak , Sintunavarat Wutiphol , Kumam Poom 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The object of this paper is to utilize the notion of β-admissible in the sense of Mohammadi et al. (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2013:24, 2013) to prove a fuzzy fixed point theorem and present some corollaries. We also give illustrative examples which demonstrate the validity of hypotheses of our results and applications to fuzzy fixed points for fuzzy mappings in partially ordered metric spaces are studied.
Divergent antiviral roles of amphibian (Xenopus laevis) macrophages elicited by colony-stimulating factor-1 and interleukin-34
Authors: Grayfer Leon , Robert Jacques 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMacrophages are integral to amphibian immunity against RVs, as well as to the infection strategies of these pathogens. Although CSF-1 was considered to be the principal mediator of macrophage development, the IL-34 cytokine, which shares no sequence identity with CSF-1, is now believed to contribute to vertebrate monopoiesis. However, the respective roles of CSF-1- and IL-34-derived macrophages are still poorly understood. To delineate the contribution of these macrophage populations to amphibian immunity against the RV FV3, we identified the Xenopus laevis IL-34 and transcriptionally and functionally compared this cytokine with the previously identified X. laevis CSF-1. The X. laevis CSF-1 and IL-34 displayed strikingly nonoverlapping developmental and tissue-specific gene-expression patterns. Furthermore, only CSF-1 but not IL-34 was up-regulated in the kidneys of FV3-challenged tadpoles. Intriguingly, recombinant forms of these cytokines (rXlCSF-1, rXlIL-34) elicited morphologically distinct tadpole macrophages, and whereas rXlCSF-1 pretreatment decreased the survival of FV3-infected tadpoles, rXlIL-34 administration significantly prolonged FV3-challenged animal survival. Compared with rXlIL-34-elicited macrophages, macrophages derived by rXlCSF-1 were more phagocytic but also significantly more susceptible to in vitro FV3 infections. By contrast, rXlIL-34-derived macrophages exhibited significantly greater in vitro antiranaviral activity and displayed substantially more robust gene expression of the NADPH oxidase components (p67phox, gp91phox) and type I IFN. Moreover, FV3-challenged, rXlIL-34-derived macrophages exhibited several orders of magnitude greater up-regulation of the type I IFN gene expression. This marks the first report of the disparate roles of CSF-1 and IL-34 in vertebrate antiviral immunity.
Clap and fling mechanism with interacting porous wings in tiny insect flight
Authors: Santhanakrishnan Arvind , Robinson Alice K. , Jones Shannon , Lowe Audrey , Gadi Sneha , Hedrick Tyson L. , Miller Laura A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe aerodynamics of flapping flight for the smallest insects such as thrips is often characterized by a 'clap and fling' of the wings at the end of the upstroke and the beginning of the downstroke. These insects fly at Reynolds numbers (Re) on the order of 10 or less where viscous effects are significant. Although this wing motion is known to augment the lift generated during flight, the drag required to fling the wings apart at this scale is an order of magnitude larger than the corresponding force acting on a single wing. Since the opposing forces acting normal to each wing nearly cancel during the fling, these large forces do not have a clear aerodynamic benefit. If flight efficiency is defined as the ratio of lift to drag, the 'clap and fling' motion dramatically reduces efficiency relative to the case of wings that do not aerodynamically interact. In this paper, the effect of a bristled wing characteristic of many of these insects is investigated using computational fluid dynamics. We perform 2D numerical simulations using a porous version of the immersed boundary method. Given the computational complexity involved in modeling flow through exact descriptions of bristled wings, the wing is modeled as a homogenous porous layer as a first approximation. High-speed video recordings of free flying thrips in take-off flight were captured in the laboratory, and an analysis of the wing kinematics was performed. This information was used for the estimation of input parameters for the simulations. As compared to a solid wing (without bristles), the results of the study show that the porous nature of the wings contributes largely to drag reduction across the Re range explored. The aerodynamic efficiency, calculated as the ratio of lift to drag coefficients, was larger for some porosities when compared to solid wings.
Dual silencing of long and short Amblyomma americanum acidic chitinase forms weakens the tick cement cone stability
Authors: Kim Tae K. , Curran Jenny , Mulenga Albert 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
This study demonstrates that Amblyomma americanum (Aam) constitutively and ubiquitously expresses the long (L) and short (S) putative acidic chitinases (Ach) that are distinguished by a 210 base pair (bp) deletion in AamAch-S. Full-length AamAch-L and -S cDNA are 1959 and 1718bp long containing 1332 and 1104bp open reading frames that code for 443 and 367 amino acid residues proteins with the former predicted to be extracellular and the latter intracellular. Both AamAch-L and -S mRNA are expressed in multiple organs as revealed by qualitative RT-PCR analysis. Furthermore, quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that AamAch-L mRNA was down regulated in the midgut, but was unchanged in the salivary gland and in other organs in response to feeding. Of significant interest, AamAch-L and/or AamAch-S functions are likely associated with formation and/or maintenance of stability of A. americanum tick cement cone. Dual RNAi silencing of AamAch-L and/or AamAch-S mRNA caused ticks to loosely attach onto host skin as suggested by bleeding around tick mouthparts and ticks detaching off host skin with a light touch. AamAch-L may apparently encode an inactive chitinase as indicated by Pichia pastoris-expressed recombinant (r) AamAch-L failing to hydrolyze chitinase substrates. Unpublished related work in our lab, and published work by others that found AamAch-L in tick saliva, suggest that native AamAch-L is a non-specific immunoglobulin binding tick saliva protein in that rAamAch-L non-specifically bound rabbit, bovine, and chicken non-immune sera. We discuss findings in this study with reference to advancing knowledge on tick feeding physiology.
Moth-eye-structured Antireflective Poly(methyl methacrylate) Film with Visible-light-responsive Self-cleaning Ability
Authors: Nakata Kazuya , Terashima Chiaki , Fujishima Akira 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
A poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) film with moth-eye-structured surface was coated with PtCl-modified TiO2 (PtCl–TiO2) particles to form an antireflective and self-cleaning film that works under visible-light illumination. Coating PtCl–TiO2 on the PMMA surface produced a porous PtCl–TiO2 layer. Transmittance spectra showed near independency of the tilted angle of light illumination for the coated film. The coated film showed the ability to decompose oleic acid under visible-light irradiation.
Compression – from thrombosis to post-thrombotic syndrome
Authors: Partsch H. 
Published: September 2014

ZusammenfassungEinleitung: Die Empfehlung von Kompression und Mobilisierung im akuten Stadium einer Thrombose, zusammen mit exakter Antikoagulation, beruht vorwiegend auf Erfahrung. Schwerpunktmäßig konzentrieren sich die meisten Therapie-Studien auf das Schicksal der Thromben. Einige randomisierte Vergleichsstudien konnten zeigen, dass ein derartiges Therapieregime nicht mit einer erhöhten Rate von Lungenembolien einhergeht.Methode: Die Literatur wurde hinsichtlich der Fragestellung überprüft.Ergebnisse: Subjektive Beschwerden des Patienten wurden bisher nur in einzelnen randomisiert- kontrollierten Studien untersucht, die eine Verminderung von Schmerz und Schwellung sowie eine Verbesserung der Lebensqualität zeigten. Damit wurde das Therapieprinzip Antikoagulation, Kompression und Mobilisierung zum Kern der ambulanten Thrombosetherapie.Nach der bisher vorliegenden Evidenzlage kann eine Weiterführung der Kompression über zwei Jahre die Häufigkeit eines post-thrombotischen Syndroms signifikant reduzieren. Die Empfehlung einer Kompressionsstrumpf-Versorgung nach Thrombose, die sich auch in einschlägigen Leitlinien findet, wurde durch eine rezente kanadisch-amerikanische Multicenterstudie in Frage gestellt. In dieser Studie wurden bei Patienten mit proximaler Erstthrombose der Effekt von 30–40 mmHg-Strümpfen gegenüber jenem von „Placebo-Strümpfen“ (5 mmHg) vergli-chen. Bis zu zwei Jahren fand sich kein Unterschied zwischen beiden Gruppen, weder nach den Ginsberg-Kriterien (Schmerz und Schwellung länger als ein Monat), noch nach der Villalta-Skala (Summenscore aus subjektiven Beschwerden und klinischen Zeichen). Die Strümpfe wurden den Patienten per Post geschickt, mehr als die Hälfte der Patienten war letztlich nicht im Stande zu beurteilen, ob sie einen Therapiestrumpf oder ein Placebo bekommen hatten. Jene 55 % der Patienten, welche nach eigenen Angaben ihre Strümpfe mehr als 3 Tage pro Woche trugen, wurden als „frequent users“ eingestuft. Neben mehreren anderen Problemen mit dieser Studie bleibt die Frage offen, wie in einer „kontrollieren Studie“ ein Therapieeffekt einer Maßnahme beurteilt werden kann, die offenbar nur sporadisch angewendet wurde.Schlussfolgerung: Der anti-inflammatorische Effekt einer guten Kompressionstherapie in Form einer Reduktion von Schmerz und Schwellung der Thromboseextremität im akuten Stadium sollte durch weitere Kompressionsbestrumpfung für einige Monate aufrecht erhalten und das weitere Procedere dann vorwiegend nach klinischen Kriterien entschieden werden. Weitere Verlaufsstudien, welche die Rolle der Kompression auf die klinische Symptomatik von der Thrombose zum postthrombotischen Syndrom untersuchen, sind zu empfehlen.
Cryo-laser and cryo-sclerotherapy guided by Augmented Reality
Authors: Miyake R. K. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackground: This study is about CLaCS, a new technique to treat telangiectasias and feeder veins.Method: A series of 140 cases were treated under Augmented Reality guidance in a completely different way. Sclerosis was achieved by combination of thermal and chemical agents: laser and dextrose. Patients were classified according to two questions: presence of varicose veins and/or reflux on the saphenous vein; presence of telangiectasias and/or feeder veins (Score 9–1). Duplex ultra-sound and Augmented Reality (VeinViewer) were used to detect reflux and feeder veins, respectively. Feeder veins and telangiectasias were treated the same way, in the same procedure, by a combination of Nd:YAG 1064 nm with spot sizes of 6mm, 15 msec pulse and fluence of up to 80 J/cm2 followed by injection sclerotherapy of Dextrose 75%. Both techniques were done under forced air skin cooling (Cryo5). A thorough photodocumentation was done prior and after each procedure and results were obtained by comparing before and after photos on two iPads. Response to the treatment was rated on: total or partial improvement with patient satisfaction (Group 1); partial improvement or lack of resolution, without patient satisfaction (Group 2).Results: A total of 466 patients visited the clinic during the study and exclusion criteria left a total of 140 patients for analysis. Mean age of patients was 37 years (16 to 72), with prevalence of women (98 %). No allergic reactions, systemic reactions, skin burns, post-sclerotherapy mattings, infections or crustings were observed. Temporary ecchymosis were observed in 30 % of the cases, and intravenous coagula in 14 % of them. No frostbite was registered due to cold air blowing. Partial or total lesion improvement was obtained in 121 patients (86 %), with satisfactory cosmetic results. Unsatisfactory outcome was observed in 19 patients (14 %) due to no response or lesion worsening, thus crochet hook phlebectomy was indicated.Conclusion: CLaCS guided by Augmented Reality is a very effective option to treat telangiectasias, reticular and feeder veins. It is a safe method based on the employment of technology and an organic sclerosing agent. It dispenses the use of any other medication, thus being free of risk of anaphylaxis or embolism.
Leadership Power as a Factor of Enhancement or Deformation of an Organization Leader’s Identity
Authors: Сыманюк  , Symanyuk E. , Девятовская  , Devyatovskaya I. 
Published: September 2014

The paper considers leadership power as a factor resulting in development or deformation of a leader’s personality. Managerial activity implies that an organization’s
leader executes a set of functions, including administrative, goal-setting, disciplinary, expert advisory, communicative regulating ones, educational
and psychotherapeutic support as well as representation mission. When the leader carries out these functions using leadership power within reasonable limits
it helps to enhance this leader’s personality, essential professional qualities and to nurture necessary competencies. However, leadership power execution can
have a distorting effect on a leader’s personality. Professional deformation is meant here as a distortion of professionally crucial personal qualities. We believe
that consistent power execution should be considered as a factor aggravating professional deformation of a leader’s personality. Among the types of professional
deformations, resulting from consistent leadership power execution are the following: authoritarianism, ostentation, professional dogmatism, professional
belligerence, social hypocrisy, obsessive sense of responsibility, procrastination, imperativeness and proclivity for manipulations. The paper presents
ways of prophylactic measures against professional deformations and describes possible actions, the leader can undertake to use his leadership power as a
means for his own further personal enhancement.
Evaluating Indirect Factors Impact on the Efficiency of A Region’s Material Resources Utilization
Authors: Климук  , Klimuk V. 
Published: September 2014

The author reviews the writings on theoretic and methodological aspects of
resources utilization efficiency. Indirect factors affecting the level of materials/
output level for the regional product of the Brest Region are explored. As the
main analysis tool the correlation and regression technique is employed. The
set of indicators evaluated includes foreign investments, investments in fixed
capital, net income of organizations, innovations spend, account payable, as
well as such lawlessness indicator, as the level of corrupt practice. Through the
correlation and regression analysis the most relevant kinds of functions are
identified — namely, the actual data on the material/output level. Based on
analyzing statistical data for the Brest region of Belarus for the period of 2007–
2013 the author has constructed models to explore efficiency of material
resources utilization for the purpose of managing material/output level of the
region concerned.
The benefits of walking for individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Soundy Andrew , Muhamed Ahmad , Stubbs Brendon , Probst Michel , Vancampfort Davy 
Published: September 2014

Aim:Walking is a popular type of physical activity in individuals with schizophrenia – yet the benefits remain unclear. The aim of this review was to investigate if walking can a) reduce weight and b) have a positive influence on other health parameters in individuals (aged 16 years and over) with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in in- or outpatient settings.Methods:A systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyse (PRISMA) statement was conducted. Major electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2014. Articles were eligible that: considered the effect of a walking intervention; had included at least 75% of the intervention programme as walking rather than another type of physical activity; considered patients formally diagnosed using standard criteria of schizophrenia or schizo-affective spectrum disorders; and used outcome measures that captured the patient's bio-psychosocial health. Two independent authors conducted the searches, extracted data and completed methodological quality and risk of bias assessment.Results:A total of 10 trials from three countries were included (n=339). Selection, detection and performance biases were identified consistently within the research. There is some evidence to suggest walking interventions may benefit an individual's weight, specifically resulting in small reduction in body mass index or body fat in the short term. Evidence for other health outcomes was limited but no adverse events were reported and walking appears to be safe. The data did not provide enough information for a meta-analysis to be conducted.Conclusion:Walking is a popular and safe form of physical activity among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. No harmful effects were reported and small, short-term weight reduction was identified. However, the results may not be clinically meaningful and should be viewed with caution due to the medium-to-high risk of bias. The broader benefits of walking are yet to be established. Despite the methodological limitations in the literature, walking should be encouraged in clinical practice but clinicians may need to adopt motivational strategies to increase adherence.
Exploring the experience of using a web-based cardiac rehabilitation programme in a primary care angina population: a qualitative study
Authors: Devi Reena , Carpenter Christine , Powell John , Singh Sally 
Published: September 2014

Aim: To explore patient experiences of using a new web-based cardiac rehabilitation programme. Methods: A qualitative approach was chosen and semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen participants. Data were analysed using a foundational thematic analytic process. Results: Two overarching themes – ‘patient benefits and programme facilitators’ and ‘programme barriers’ – were identified. Participants reported increased physical activity, improved psychological wellbeing and greater patient empowerment when managing angina symptoms. Certain programme components (exercise goal setting, the online exercise diary, tailored comprehensive information and communicating with rehabilitation specialists) were discussed in terms of facilitating engagement. Participants valued the intervention particularly as they had not been offered a rehabilitation programme during their standard care and, in particular, the convenience of the web-based programme with no restrictions on time or location. Programme barriers included family/work commitments, bad weather, receiving the programme late in relation to their angina diagnosis, preconceptions about an internet-based programme being suitable for a younger age group, the difficulty of making lifestyle changes when in older age, and the need to be motivated when carrying out the programme independently. Conclusions: Primary care angina patients could benefit from an online version of rehabilitation. Patients’ views about useful programme components should be incorporated when developing web-based interventions.
Influence of home-based exercises on walking ability and function of post-stroke individuals
Authors: Treger Iuly , Landesman Chagit , Tabacaru Eitana , Kalichman Leonid 
Published: September 2014

Background and aims: Patients undergo intensive training during hospitalisation for rehabilitation, although, in many cases, the level of training decreases upon returning home. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of post-rehabilitation home-based exercises on walking capacity of post-stroke individuals. Methods: Single-blind, randomised, controlled trial. Eighty-six first ischaemic stroke patients were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention group received detailed instructions for 14 exercises and was instructed to walk for at least 30 minutes daily. The control group received only standard discharge forms. The 10-metre walk test (10MWT), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and Timed Up & Go (TUG) were performed twice; once at the end of the inpatient rehabilitation period and then again three months later (E1 and E2). Results: No significant difference was found in the control group as to any studied parameter between E1 and E2. A significant improvement was shown in the intervention group as to time parameter of the 10MWT (p=0.008), 6MWT (p<0.001) and TUG (p=0.009). When comparing delta values (E2-E1) for each test, we found that only 6MWT significantly differed between the two groups. Conclusions: Home-based exercises improved the 6MWT results in post-stroke individuals. We recommend integrating home-based exercises into the standard post-hospitalisation stroke rehabilitation.