bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rubber nanocomposites based on compatibilized NBR/SBR blends using a series of amphiphilic montmorillonites
Authors: Essawy Hisham A , Tawfik Magda E , El-Sabbagh Salwa H 
Published: October 2012

The montmorillonite (MMT), Mont-0, was treated with different levels of appropriate corresponding amounts of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide to yield a variety of biphasic MMTs exhibiting different hydrophilic–lipophilic balance ranging gradually up to the highly hydrophobic form (Mont-100), which was proved using Fourier transform infrared spectra as well as x-ray diffraction, thus the produced forms can be arranged in the following order according to the decrease in hydrophilicity: Mont-0 > Mont-25 > Mont-50 > Mont-75 > Mont-100. In a following step, the obtained MMTs were attempted for use as reinforcing fillers that may exhibit in the mean time a compatibilizing effect, for acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR)/styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) (50/50) rubber blend, which is known to be physically incompatible. The mechanical performance of the blends comprising different loadings of MMT forms demonstrated advancement in most of the cases accompanied by acceleration in rheometric characteristics indicating enhancement by different extents in compatibility between the phases. The results were explained on the light of the potential of these MMT forms to bind both phases of the blend through hydrophobic–hydrophobic interactions with the nonpolar part (SBR) and polar–polar interactions with the polar part (NBR) of the blend, which diminishes the molecular mobility of the macromolecular chains thus preventing progress in phase separation. These findings were additionally proved using scanning electron microscopy and XRD that confirmed a dependent contribution of both phases in interfacial interactions with the biphasic fillers as a function of the hydrophobization level.
The Effect of Gender on Perception of Glass Ceiling, Mediated by SRO and Attitude toward Women as Managers
Authors: Maithani Anoop , Misra Manisha , Potnis Saaylee , Bhuwania Shringar 
Published: October 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this research paper is to determine the effect of Gender on Perception of Glass Ceiling, mediated by Sex Role Orientation and Attitude towards Women as Managers. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was floated to 189 B-School students via email and social networking sights, out of which a total of 153 responses were collected and analyzed. The respondents were surveyed on their Sex Role Orientation, Attitude towards Women as Managers and Perception of Glass Ceiling. Available scales were used to measure each of these constructs. Findings: Sex Role Orientation fully mediated Gender in relation to Perception of Glass Ceiling. However Attitude towards Women as Manager does not have any effect on Perception of Glass Ceiling or Gender. Moreover SRO has a greater effect on Perception of Glass Ceiling than Gender has. It is also seen that females have a higher SRO i.e., a more modern outlook than men who have a lower value of SRO i.e., a more traditional outlook. It is also seen that higher the value of SRO, lower is the perception of glass ceiling and that females have a lower perception of glass ceiling as compared to males. Research limitations/implications: The sample space of respondents was limited to MBA School students. It does not take into account the respondents’ work experience. The current study could therefore only provide tentative conclusions. Practical implications: Once the factors affecting Perception of Glass Ceiling are determined, organizations can work accordingly to eliminate this perception of glass ceiling among its employees. Originality/value: This research has been done in the Indian Context. The scales we used to determine SRO and Perception of Glass Ceiling were designed specifically for the Indian Context. Since SRO differs widely from country to country, this research will enable us to find the link between Gender and Perception of Glass Ceiling specifically in the Indian context.
Systemic Lupus–Induced Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Treated With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Patel Jayshil J. , Lipchik Randolph J. 
Published: October 2012

Objectives: We report the case of a 28-year-old patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with rapid onset of dyspnea and hemoptysis found to have diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) with refractory hypoxemia successfully treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The discussion includes clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, outcome, and a review of the available adult literature on the use of ECMO in patients with DAH. Design: Case report. Setting: Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Data Sources: Data were collected from the patient’s electronic medical record and the hospital radiology database. Conclusions: Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage secondary to SLE is quite rare. The adult literature on the utilization of ECMO for DAH is limited mostly to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated alveolar hemorrhage and a few reports of nonvasculitis DAH. Bleeding has been a contraindication to ECMO due to the need for systemic anticoagulation. Our case, along with a review of the literature, indicates that ECMO with anticoagulation can be safely utilized in patients with DAH. To our knowledge, this is the first reported adult case of DAH due to SLE successfully treated with ECMO.
Multifactor Analysis on the Income of Primary Health Care Institutions Implementing EMS in Hubei Province, China: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yang Lianping , Zhang Xinping , Liu Wenbin , Wang Hongtao 
Published: October 2012

The objectives of this study are to measure the level of income of primary health care institutions during essential medicines system (EMS) implementation and to identify its main influencing factors for finding the evidence to promote the EMS in China’s deepening health care reform. The field investigation with a stratified sampling method contained primary health institutions from Hubei province, based on the different economic levels. Government-run institutions which implemented EMS were all collected; they were a total of 402. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out at all institutions involving indicators such as income of primary health care institutions, government subsidy, institution staff salaries, institution indebtedness, number of health personnel, drug price cut (per cent) and number of drug use. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 12.0 was used for independent variables selection and to perform multiple linear regressions. Government subsidy (X1), institution staff salaries (X2), institution indebtedness (X3) and number of health personnel (X4) are factors chosen into the regression model, the square root of the income of primary health institutions (Y). The model Y = 3.827 + 0.030X1 + 0.045X2 + 0.002X3 + 0.033X4 (F = 164.663, P < 0.001), where coefficient of determination R2 = 0.656. The biggest influence on income of primary health institutions is institution staff salaries (standardized coefficients = 0.398), followed by number of health personnel (standardized coefficients = 0.318) and government subsidy (standardized coefficients = 0.264). To protect the income of primary health care institutions, more attention should be paid to the agency staffing reform, individual performance appraisal and government subsidies. For best outcomes of EMS, the subsequent implementation should be a more completed set of supporting measures besides the design of system itself.
Study on Risk Factors and Behaviour of Asthma Patients in Mumbai
Authors: Kaushik Chandrashekhar Suresh 
Published: October 2012

Various clinical trials show that asthma can be controlled in the majority of patients, but poorly controlled asthma still imposes a considerable burden. The level of asthma control achieved reflects the behaviour of both health care professionals and patients. A key challenge for health care professionals is to help patients to engage in self-management behaviours with optimal adherence to appropriate treatment. Clinical factors such as exposure to triggers and concomitant rhinitis are important, but so are patient behavioural factors. Behaviours such as addiction and no adherence may reduce the efficacy of treatment, and patients’ perceptions influence these behaviours. Perceptual barriers to adherence include doubting the need for treatment when symptoms are absent and concerns about potential adverse effects. Under-treatment may also be related to patients’ underestimation of the significance of symptoms and lack of awareness of achievable control (Horne et al. 2007). This research article focuses on the patients behaviour and risk factors and its impact on asthmatic patients. The area of study was Mumbai city and the target population was all asthmatic patients residing in Mumbai city.
Noninvasive Imaging in Pulmonary Embolism According to Age and Gender
Authors: Stein Paul D. , Matta Fadi 
Published: October 2012

Some now recommend a lung scan if the plain chest radiograph is normal instead of computed tomographic (CT) angiography to minimize the risks of radiation in younger patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. The purpose of this investigation is to determine practice standards according to age and gender in regard to noninvasive imaging. Data are from the Nationwide Inpatient Patient, 1998 to 2009. In 2006 to 2009, the proportion of females with pulmonary embolism imaged with CT angiography was 275 (90%) of 305 among teenagers and girls, 3990 (87%) of 4570 among women 20 to 40 years, and 25 650 (85%) of 30 160 among women >40 years. Among males the proportion imaged with CT angiography was 175 (92%) of 190 among teenagers and boys, 3000 (89%) of 3370 among men 20 to 40 years, and 21 280 (86%) of 24 800 among men >40 years. In conclusion, contrary to the recommendations of some, CT angiography is usually obtained in young patients.
The Underlying Osseous Deformity in Plantar Plate Tears
Authors: Klein Erin E. , Weil Lowell , Weil Lowell Scott , Knight Jessica 
Published: October 2012

Purpose. Plantar plate tears can cause pain and deformity of the forefoot. The purpose of this study is to correlate common radiographic findings with observed intra-operative pathology in patients with plantar plate pathology. Methods. Bilateral weight-bearing radiographs were reviewed for 88 patients (106 feet) who underwent surgical repair of suspected plantar plate pathology. Parameters reviewed included the first intermetatarsal angle, the metatarsus adductus angle, the second and third metatarsophalangeal angles, splaying of the second and third toes, evaluation of the metatarsal parabola by 3 different methods, the first and second lateral declination angles, and the second lateral metatarsophalangeal angle. Results. Of 106 feet, 97 had intra-operative plantar plate tears. The radiographs of patients with plantar plate tears had an increased amount of digital splay on the anteroposterior radiograph compared to patients without pathology. For patients with unilateral plantar plate pathology, the metatarsal parabola of the symptomatic foot was compared with that of the asymptomatic foot. A significantly increased second metatarsal protrusion distance as measured by 2 different methods was noted in the symptomatic foot. Odds ratios revealed that patients with an intermetatarsal angle >12, medial deviation of the second toe, and splaying of the digits were more likely to be diagnosed with a plantar plate tear intra-operatively. Conclusion. Although radiographs do not definitively diagnose plantar plate tears, understanding osseous forefoot architecture will aid with diagnosis in the absence of other osseous pathology. Furthermore, these data suggest that parabola should be corrected to maintain long-term correction of plantar plate pathology. Level of Evidence: Prognostic, Level II
PI3K-PKB hyperactivation augments human plasmacytoid dendritic cell development and function
Authors: van de Laar Lianne , van den Bosch Aniek , Boonstra André , Binda Rekha S. , Buitenhuis Miranda , Janssen Harry L. A. , Coffer Paul J. , Woltman Andrea M. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are considered potential tools or targets for immunotherapy. However, current knowledge concerning methodologies to manipulate their development or function remains limited. Here, we investigated the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (PKB)–mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis in human pDC development, survival, and function. In vitro pDC generation from human cord blood–derived CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors was reduced by pharmacologic inhibition of PI3K, PKB, or mTOR activity, and peripheral blood pDCs required PI3K-PKB-mTOR signaling to survive. Accordingly, activity of this pathway in circulating pDCs correlated with their abundance in peripheral blood. Importantly, introduction of constitutively active PKB or pharmacologic inhibition of negative regulator phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) resulted in increased pDC numbers in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, MHC class II and costimulatory molecule expression, and production of IFN-α and TNF-α, were augmented, which could be explained by enhanced IRF7 and NF-κB activation. Finally, the numerically and functionally impaired pDCs of chronic hepatitis B patients demonstrated reduced PI3K-PKB-mTOR activity. In conclusion, intact PI3K-PKB-mTOR signaling regulates development, survival, and function of human pDCs, and pDC development and functionality can be promoted by PI3K-PKB hyperactivation. Manipulation of this pathway or its downstream targets could be used to improve the generation and function of pDCs to augment immunity.
Phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 directly interacts with integrin β1 and regulates its phosphorylation at tyrosine 783
Authors: Tian Wei , Qu Like , Meng Lin , Liu Caiyun , Wu Jian , Shou Chengchao 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 (PRL-3 or PTP4A3) has been implicated in controlling cancer cell proliferation, motility, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Deregulated expression of PRL-3 is highly correlated with cancer progression and predicts poor survival. Although PRL-3 was categorized as a tyrosine phosphatase, its cellular substrates remain largely unknown.

Results
We demonstrated that PRL-3 interacts with integrin β1 in cancer cells. Recombinant PRL-3 associates with the intracellular domain of integrin β1 in vitro. Silencing of integrin α1 enhances PRL-3-integrin β1 interaction. Furthermore, PRL-3 diminishes tyrosine phosphorylation of integrin β1 in vitro and in vivo. With site-specific anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies against residues in the intracellular domain of integrin β1, tyrosine-783, but not tyrosine-795, is shown to be dephosphorylated by PRL-3 in a catalytic activity-dependant manner. Phosphorylation of Y783 is potentiated by ablation of PRL-3 or by treatment with a chemical inhibitor of PRL-3. Conversely, depletion of integrin α1 decreases the phosphorylation of this site.

Conclusions
Our results revealed a direct interaction between PRL-3 and integrin β1 and characterized Y783 of integrin β1 as a bona fide substrate of PRL-3, which is negatively regulated by integrin α1.
Systems mapping of HIV-1 infection
Authors: Hou Wei , Sui Yihan , Wang Zhong , Wang Yaqun , Wang Ningtao , Liu Jingyuan , Li Yao , Goodenow Maureen , Yin Li , Wang Zuoheng , Wu Rongling 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Mathematical models of viral dynamics in vivo provide incredible insights into the mechanisms for the nonlinear interaction between virus and host cell populations, the dynamics of viral drug resistance, and the way to eliminate virus infection from individual patients by drug treatment. The integration of these mathematical models with high-throughput genetic and genomic data within a statistical framework will raise a hope for effective treatment of infections with HIV virus through developing potent antiviral drugs based on individual patients’ genetic makeup. In this opinion article, we will show a conceptual model for mapping and dictating a comprehensive picture of genetic control mechanisms for viral dynamics through incorporating a group of differential equations that quantify the emergent properties of a system.
Impact of clinical pathway on clinical outcomes in the management of COPD exacerbation
Authors: Ban Andrea , Ismail Aniza , Harun Roslan , Abdul Rahman Azahirafairud , Sulung Saperi , Syed Mohamed Aljunid 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Exacerbations, a leading cause of hospitalization in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affect the quality of life and prognosis. Treatment recommendations as provided in the evidence-based guidelines are not consistently followed, partly due to absence of simplified task-oriented approach to care. In this study, we describe the development and implementation of a clinical pathway (CP) and evaluate its effectiveness in the management of COPD exacerbation.

Methods
We developed a CP and evaluated its effectiveness in a non-randomized prospective study with historical controls on patients admitted for exacerbation of COPD to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Consecutive patients who were admitted between June 2009 and December 2010 were prospectively recruited into the CP group. Non-CP historical controls were obtained from case records of patients admitted between January 2008 and January 2009. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by comparing the length of stay (LOS), complication rates, readmissions, and mortality rates.

Results
Ninety-five patients were recruited in the CP group and 98 patients were included in the non-CP historical group. Both groups were comparable with no significant differences in age, sex and severity of COPD (p = 0.641). For clinical outcome measures, patients in the CP group had shorter length of stay than the non-CP group (median (IQR): 5 (4–7) days versus 7 (7–9) days, p < 0.001) and 24.1% less complications (14.7% versus 38.8%, p < 0.001). We did not find any significant differences in readmission and mortality rates.

Conclusion
The implementation of CP –reduced the length of stay and complication rates of patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of COPD.
Visual Aids for Multimodal Treatment Options to Support Decision Making of Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hofmann Sabine , Vetter Janina , Wachter Christiane , Henne-Bruns Doris , Porzsolt Franz , Kornmann Marko 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
A variety of multimodal treatment options are available for colorectal cancer and many patients want to be involved in decisions about their therapies. However, their desire for autonomy is limited by lack of disease-specific knowledge. Visual aids may be helpful tools to present complex data in an easy-to-understand, graphic form to lay persons. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the treatment preferences of healthy persons and patients using visual aids depicting multimodal treatment options for colorectal cancer.

Methods
We designed visual aids for treatment scenarios based on four key studies concerning multimodal treatment of colorectal cancer. The visual aids were composed of diagrams depicting outcome parameters and side effects of two treatment options. They were presented to healthy persons (n = 265) and to patients with colorectal cancer (n = 102).

Results
Most patients and healthy persons could make immediate decisions after seeing the diagrams (range: 88% – 100%). Patients (79%) chose the intensive-treatment option in the scenario with a clear survival benefit. In scenarios without survival benefit, all groups clearly preferred the milder treatment option (range: 78% - 90%). No preference was seen in the scenario depicting equally intense treatment options with different timing (neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant) but without survival benefit.

Conclusions
Healthy persons’ and patients’ decisions using visual aids seem to be influenced by quality-of-life aspects rather than recurrence rates especially in situations without survival benefit. In the future visual aids may help to improve the management of patients with colorectal cancer.
Correlation analyses of clinical and molecular findings identify candidate biological pathways in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Ling Xuefeng B , Macaubas Claudia , Alexander Heather C , Wen Qiaojun , Chen Edward , Peng Sihua , Sun Yue , Deshpande Chetan , Pan Kuang-Hung , Lin Richard , Lih Chih-Jian , Chang Sheng-Yung P , Lee Tzielan , Sandborg Christy , Begovich Ann B , Cohen Stanley N , Mellins Elizabeth D 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundClinicians have long appreciated the distinct phenotype of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) compared to polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (POLY). We hypothesized that gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from children with each disease would reveal distinct biological pathways when analyzed for significant associations with elevations in two markers of JIA activity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and number of affected joints (joint count, JC).MethodsPBMC RNA from SJIA and POLY patients was profiled by kinetic PCR to analyze expression of 181 genes, selected for relevance to immune response pathways. Pearson correlation and Student'st-test analyses were performed to identify transcripts significantly associated with clinical parameters (ESR and JC) in SJIA or POLY samples. These transcripts were used to find related biological pathways.ResultsCombining Pearson andt-test analyses, we found 91 ESR-related and 92 JC-related genes in SJIA. For POLY, 20 ESR-related and 0 JC-related genes were found. Using Ingenuity Systems Pathways Analysis, we identified SJIA ESR-related and JC-related pathways. The two sets of pathways are strongly correlated. In contrast, there is a weaker correlation between SJIA and POLY ESR-related pathways. Notably, distinct biological processes were found to correlate with JC in samples from the earlier systemic plus arthritic phase (SAF) of SJIA compared to samples from the later arthritis-predominant phase (AF). Within the SJIA SAF group, IL-10 expression was related to JC, whereas lack of IL-4 appeared to characterize the chronic arthritis (AF) subgroup.ConclusionsThe strong correlation between pathways implicated in elevations of both ESR and JC in SJIA argues that the systemic and arthritic components of the disease are related mechanistically. Inflammatory pathways in SJIA are distinct from those in POLY course JIA, consistent with differences in clinically appreciated target organs. The limited number of ESR-related SJIA genes that also are associated with elevations of ESR in POLY implies that the SJIA associations are specific for SJIA, at least to some degree. The distinct pathways associated with arthritis in early and late SJIA raise the possibility that different immunobiology underlies arthritis over the course of SJIA.