bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pedometers to enhance physical activity in COPD: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mendoza Laura , Horta Paula , Espinoza José , Aguilera Miguel , Balmaceda Nicolás , Castro Ariel , Ruiz Mauricio , Díaz Orlando , Hopkinson Nicholas S. 
Published: September 2014

Physical inactivity is a cardinal feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Pedometers, which have been used in healthy populations, might also increase physical activity in patients with COPD.COPD patients taking part in a 3-month individualised programme to promote an increase in their daily physical activity were randomised to either a standard programme of physical activity encouragement alone, or a pedometer-based programme. Assessments were performed by investigators blinded to treatment allocation. Change in average 1-week daily step count, 6-min walking distance (6MWD), modified Medical Research Council scale, St George’s respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD assessment test (CAT) were compared between groups.102 patients were recruited, of whom 97 completed the programme (pedometer group: n=50; control group: n=47); 60.8% were male with a mean±sdage of 68.7±8.5 years, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 66.1±19.4% and FEV1/forced vital capacity 55.2±9.5%. Both groups had comparable characteristics at baseline. The pedometer group had significantly greater improvements in: physical activity 3080±3254 steps·day−1versus138.3±1950 steps·day−1(p<0.001); SGRQ −8.8±12.2versus−3.8±10.9 (p=0.01); CAT score −3.5±5.5versus−0.6±6.6 (p=0.001); and 6MWD 12.4±34.6versus−0.7±24.4 m (p=0.02) than patients receiving activity encouragement only.A simple physical activity enhancement programme using pedometers can effectively improve physical activity level and quality of life in COPD patients.
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis around the world: what progress has been made?
Authors: Falzon Dennis , Mirzayev Fuad , Wares Fraser , Baena Inés Garcia , Zignol Matteo , Linh Nguyen , Weyer Karin , Jaramillo Ernesto , Floyd Katherine , Raviglione Mario 
Published: September 2014

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) (resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampicin) will influence the future of global TB control. 88% of estimated MDR-TB cases occur in middle- or high-income countries, and 60% occur in Brazil, China, India, the Russian Federation and South Africa.The World Health Organization collects country data annually to monitor the response to MDR-TB. Notification, treatment enrolment and outcome data were summarised for 30 countries, accounting for >90% of the estimated MDR-TB cases among notified TB cases worldwide.In 2012, a median of 14% (interquartile range 6–50%) of estimated MDR-TB cases were notified in the 30 countries studied. In 15 of the 30 countries, the number of patients treated for MDR-TB in 2012 (71 681) was >50% higher than in 2011. Median treatment success was 53% (interquartile range 40–70%) in the 25 countries reporting data for 30 021 MDR-TB cases who started treatment in 2010.Although progress has been noted in the expansion of MDR-TB care, urgent efforts are required in order to provide wider access to diagnosis and treatment in most countries with the highest burden of MDR-TB.
Two doses of botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: observation of therapeutic effect from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Lian Yajun , Ma Yunqing , Chen Yuan , He Caihong , Xie Nanchang , Wu Chuanjie 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background
In the majority of cases, trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a unilateral condition with ultra-short stabbing pain located along one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. Although prophylactic pharmacological treatment is first choise, considering of insufficient effect or unacceptable side effects, neurosurgical treatment or lesion treatment should be considered. In addition to all these procedures mentioned above, one approach has been based on local intradermal and/or submucosal injections of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTX-A).

Methods
We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled since November 2012, and adopted local multi-point injection in 84 cases of classical TN with different doses of BTX-A. Eighty four patients were randomized into following groups: placebo (n = 28); BTX-A 25U (n = 27); BTX-A 75U (n = 29). Follow-up visits were conducted every week after the injection, and the overall duration of the study for each patient were 8 weeks to observe the pain severity, efficacy and adverse reactions at endpoint.

Results
The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of 25U and 75U groups reduced significantly compared to placebo as early as week 1, and sustained until week 8 throughout the study. There was no significant difference in VAS between 25U and 75U groups throughout the study. The response rates of 25U group (70.4%) and 75U group (86.2%) were significantly higher than placebo group (32.1%) at week 8, and there was no significant difference between 25U and 75U groups. Evaluation of the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) demonstrated that 66.7% (25U group) and 75.9% (75U group) of the patients reported that their pain symptoms were ‘much improved’ or ‘very much improved’ versus 32.1% of the placebo group, and there was also no significant difference between 25U and 75U groups. All adverse reactions were graded as mild or moderate.

Conclusions
BTX-A injection in TN is safe and efficient. It is a useful treatment for refractory TN. Lower dose (25U) and high dose (75U) were similar in efficacy in short-term.
Cross-sectional analysis of W-cored Ni nanoparticle via focused ion beam milling with impregnation
Authors: Jeong Saeeun , Na Hyunwoong , Lee Gwangyeob , Son Seong Ho , Choi Hanshin 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Tungsten and nickel bimetallic nanoparticle is synthesized by radio frequency thermal plasma process which belongs to the vapor phase condensation technology. The morphology and chemical composition of the synthesized particle were investigated using the conventional nanoparticle transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample. A few part of them looked like core/shell structured particle, but ambiguities were caused by either TEM sample preparation or TEM analysis. In order to clarify whether a core/shell structure is developed for the particle, various methodologies were tried to prepare a cross-sectional TEM sample. Focused ion beam (FIB) milling was conducted for cold-compacted particles, dispersed particles on silicon wafer, and impregnated particles with epoxy which is compatible with electron beam. A sound cross-sectional sample was just obtained from cyanoacrylate impregnation and FIB milling procedure. A tungsten-cored nickel shell structure was precisely confirmed with aid of cross-sectional sample preparation method.
Predictive markers of clinical outcome in the GRMD dog model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Barthélémy Inès , Pinto-Mariz Fernanda , Yada Erica , Desquilbet Loïc , Savino Wilson , Silva-Barbosa Suse Dayse , Faussat Anne-Marie , Mouly Vincent , Voit Thomas , Blot Stéphane , Butler-Browne Gillian 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn the translational process of developing innovative therapies for DMD (Duchenne muscular dystrophy), the last pre-clinical validation step is often carried out in the most relevant animal model of this human disease namely the GRMD (Golden retriever muscular dystrophy) dog. GRMD dogs mimic the human disease,DMD, in many aspects including the inter-individual heterogeneity. This last point can be seen as a drawback for an animal model but is inherently related to its close resemblance to DMD patients. In order to improve the management of this inter-individual heterogeneity we have screened a combination of biomarkers in 61 two month-old GRMD dogs at the onset of the disease and a posteriori we addressed their predictive value on the severity of the disease. Three non-invasive biomarkers obtained at early stages of the disease were found to be highly predictive for the loss of ambulation before 6 months of age. An elevation in the number of circulating CD4+CD49dHi T-lymphocytes, and a decreased stride frequency resulting in a reduced spontaneous speed were found to be strongly associated with the severe clinical form of the disease. These factors can be used as predictive tests to screen dogs to separate them into groups with slow or fast disease progression before their inclusion into a therapeutic pre-clinical trial and therefore improve the reliability and translational value of the trials carried out on this invaluable large animal model. These same biomarkers have also been described to be predictive for the time to loss of ambulation in DMD boys, strengthening the relevance of GRMD dogs as pre-clinical models of this devastating muscle disease.
The role of the interactome in the maintenance of deleterious variability in human populations
Authors: Garcia‐Alonso Luz , Jiménez‐Almazán Jorge , Carbonell‐Caballero Jose , Vela‐Boza Alicia , Santoyo‐López Javier , Antiñolo Guillermo , Dopazo Joaquin 
Published: September 2014

AbstractRecent genomic projects have revealed the existence of an unexpectedly large amount of deleterious variability in the human genome. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain such an apparently high mutational load. However, the mechanisms by which deleterious mutations in some genes cause a pathological effect but are apparently innocuous in other genes remain largely unknown. This study searched for deleterious variants in the 1,000 genomes populations, as well as in a newly sequenced population of 252 healthy Spanish individuals. In addition, variants causative of monogenic diseases and somatic variants from 41 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients were analysed. The deleterious variants found were analysed in the context of the interactome to understand the role of network topology in the maintenance of the observed mutational load. Our results suggest that one of the mechanisms whereby the effect of these deleterious variants on the phenotype is suppressed could be related to the configuration of the protein interaction network. Most of the deleterious variants observed in healthy individuals are concentrated in peripheral regions of the interactome, in combinations that preserve their connectivity, and have a marginal effect on interactome integrity. On the contrary, likely pathogenic cancer somatic deleterious variants tend to occur in internal regions of the interactome, often with associated structural consequences. Finally, variants causative of monogenic diseases seem to occupy an intermediate position. Our observations suggest that the real pathological potential of a variant might be more a systems property rather than an intrinsic property of individual proteins.
Novel Approaches in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hsu Kun-Tai , Yu Xiao-Min , Audhya Anjon W. , Jaume Juan C. , Lloyd Ricardo V. , Miyamoto Shigeki , Prolla Tomas A. , Chen Herbert 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), accounting for less than 2% of all thyroid cancer, is responsible for the majority of death from all thyroid malignancies and has a median survival of 6 months. The resistance of ATC to conventional thyroid cancer therapies, including radioiodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression, contributes to the very poor prognosis of this malignancy. This review will cover several cellular signaling pathways and mechanisms, including RET/PTC, RAS, BRAF, Notch, p53, and histone deacetylase, which are identified to play roles in the transformation and dedifferentiation process, and therapies that target these pathways. Lastly, novel approaches and agents involving the Notch1 pathway, nuclear factor κB, Trk-fused gene, cancer stem-like cells, mitochondrial mutation, and tumor immune microenvironment are discussed. With a better understanding of the biological process and treatment modality, the hope is to improve ATC outcome in the future.
Analysis of Squeezing Phenomenon in the Headrace Tunnel of Chameliya Project, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Pawan Kumar , Panthi Krishna Kanta , Basnet Chhatra Bahadur 
Published: September 2014

The headrace tunnel of Chameliya Hydroelectric Project, Nepal has faced severe squeezing problems from chainage 3+100m to 3+900m. Due to the severe squeezing and deformation, the tunnel cross section has narrowed considerably along this 800m long tunnel stretch. The tunnel wall closure (deformation) is mostly well over 1 m and the maximum recorded closure exceeds 2m. This paper assesses the squeezing phenomenon along this tunnel stretch through evaluation of rock mass properties and support pressure. Three different methods (two analytical and one 2D finite element numerical modeling program) are used in this analysis. The finding is that it is possible to predict extent of squeezing in tunnel if more than one method is used to verify rock mass mechanical properties. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v13i0.10039HYDRO NEPAL Journal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue No. 13, July 2013Page: 44-51Uploaded date: 3/13/2014
Effect of Silt Size, Concentration on Erosion of Turgo Turbine Blades
Authors: Khurana Sourabh , Goel Varun , Kumar Khushmeet , Sethi Muneesh 
Published: September 2014

An experimental investigation in actual flow conditions has been carried out to study the effect of silt size, concentration, jet velocity, operating hours and nozzle angle on erosive wear of Turgo impulse turbine blades. Experiments have shown that maximum erosion occurs at nozzle angle of 20ο for silt size 370 μm and silt concentration of 12000 ppm. During the experiments it has been observed that erosive wear depends on silt size, silt concentration, nozzle angle and operating hours of turbine. A correlation has also been developed as a function of silt size, silt concentration, operating hours of turbine and nozzle angle. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v13i0.10060HYDRO NEPAL Journal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue No.13, July 2013Page: Uploaded Date: 03-14-2014
Pig Sero-Survey and Farm Level Risk Factor Assessment for Japanese Encephalitis in Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Shristi , Dhakal Santosh , Ghimire Narayan Prasad , Joshi Durga Datt 
Published: September 2014

The objectives of this cross-sectional study was to determine the seropositivity status of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in pig and ascertain the farm level risk factors in Nepal. Serum samples were collected from 181 pigs in 91 farms of Rupandehi and Kapilbastu districts and tested for antibodies by IgG ELISA. Survey of farmers in each farm was carried out to determine the farm level risk factors. A total of 20 out of 181 (11%) serum samples tested positive for JEV antibodies. There was no statistically significant difference in seropositivity with age (p>0.05), sex (p>0.05) and breed (p>0.05) of pigs. Farm level infection was significantly associated with closeness to rice fields (p<0.05), closeness to standing water sources (p<0.05), wild bird exposure (p<0.05) and mosquito bite to pigs (p<0.05). These factors need to be addressed while formulating prevention, control and management strategies of JEV in pig and hence in human. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i3.10639 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(3): 311-314
Studies in Growth Parameter and Pigment Contents in Endosulphan, EC- 35 Exposed Blue Green Alga (Anabena Cylindrica, L.)
Authors: Sabat Goutam , Panigrahi A.K. , Sahu A.K. , Mohanty Bijaya Kumar 
Published: September 2014

Anabaena cylindrica L, a blue green alga commonly found in rice fields was experimentally exposed with a board spectrum insecticide, Endosulphan, EC50 in laboratory conditions for varied days. The growth of alga in terms of increase in Absorbance, dry weight and pigments like Total chlorophyll, carotenoid and phaeophytin were estimated to study the toxic effect and the subsequent recovery from insecticide stress. The results obtained indicated decrease in all studied parameters with increase in exposure period and concentration. The highest concentration (3.25ml/L) and highest period (15 Days) severely affected the growth of alga and decreased pigment content. However, when the algae were allowed to grow in insecticide free environment for 15 days, they could able to recover fully from the toxic stress. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i3.10648 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(3): 260-264
Soil Properties Affected by Land Use Systems in Western Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Chauhan R.P. , Pande K.R. , Thakur S. 
Published: September 2014

Field experiments were conducted in acidic soils of Mangalpur and Fulbari VDCs in western Chitwan, Nepal to study the effects of different land use systems on soil properties. Seven land use systems (cereal based lowland, cereal based upland, vegetable farm land, fruit orchard land, pasture land, forest land and farmer’s field) were used and they were replicated four times in randomized complete block designs. Composite soil samples were collected from each study sites and were analyzed in laboratory for soil physicochemical properties. The data obtained were analyzed using MSTAT-C. Soil properties were significantly affected by land use systems in western Chitwan condition. Soil organic matter and total soil nitrogen were significantly higher from pasture land (4.69 % and 0.23 %) and the lowest were from farmer’s field (2.40 % and 0.08 %). However, available soil phosphorous content was significantly higher from cereal based upland (448.3 kg ha-1) and it was the lowest from forest land (13.0 kg ha-1). Soil bulk density and pH were not significantly affected by land use systems. Since land use systems and management practices significantly affect soil physical and chemical properties, an appropriate and sustainable land use management option is necessary for fertile and healthy soil. Conservation tillage with the addition of sufficient organic inputs can be suggested based on this study to maintain soil health for sustained production and optimum activity of soil organisms under the western Chitwan land use systems. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i3.10660 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i3.10660 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(3): 265-269
Anticariogenic Activity and Haemolytic Study of Some Medicinal Plants Leaf Protein Extract against Six Oral pathogens in In vitro condition
Authors: Soni Hiral , Ishnava Kalpesh , Patel Khushal 
Published: September 2014

Leaf extract of 12 medicinal plants were obtained by using 10mM sodium phosphate buffer and studied for their antibacterial activity against 6 cariogenic pathogens. Among them, the extract from Streblus asper showed the most intensive activity. Antibacterial activity of Streblus asper was investigated by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test and the viable cell count method. MIC of Streblus asper against Candida albicans causing dental caries was determined to be 2.5 μg/ml. The kinetic study showed that Streblus asper completely inactivated C. albicans at the concentration 50μg/ml in 15hours.Hemolytic study of the Streblus asper plant leaf protein gives HC50 value at a very high range than that of the MIC values against C. albicans of the organisms and thus flourish its application as successful pharmaceutical drug in practice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i3.9344Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(3): 253-259
La roue des permissions
Authors: Hawkes Laurie 
Published: September 2014

Dans les années 1980, Gysa Jaoui, une des grandes figures de l’analyse transactionnelle en France, mit au point un schéma qui permettait de résumer avec une élégante simplicité les principales ouvertures et limitations présentes dans le scénario d’un individu. Elle l’appela « la roue des permissions », « roue » en raison de sa forme circulaire, et « permissions » car cette nouvelle grille porte sur la liberté plus ou moins grande que nous autorisent nos permissions dans différents domaines de la vie. Cet article décrit les concepts sous-jacents au schéma ainsi que la façon d’utiliser ce dernier, pour comprendre les clients et contribuer au plan de traitement.
Penser en termes psychologiques : un axe de la croissance négligé dans les permissions de penser
Authors: Allen James R. , Bennett Sevim , Kearns Lauri , Grégoire José 
Published: September 2014

L’article analyse la place essentielle d’un aspect particulier de la permission de penser : celle de penser en termes psychologiques, c’est-à-dire de pouvoir considérer les paroles et les comportements des personnes, qu’il s’agisse de soi-même ou d’autrui, comme motivées par des vécus mentaux sous-jacents. Après avoir détaillé le développement de cette capacité depuis la prime enfance jusqu’à l’âge verbal, il en indique le soubassement neurologique. Finalement, il en souligne les conséquences pratiques pour le traitement de différents groupes de personnes chez qui elle est insuffisamment ou inefficacement développée, et montre comment la relation thérapeutique en favorise par elle-même le développement. J.G.
Le manager doit-il être éthique ?
Authors: Chernet Daniel 
Published: September 2014

Il nous a semblé que l’éthique constituait un utile contrepoint au thème de ce numéro sur les « faits de société ». Et on ne pouvait imaginer plus grande pertinence, ni d’ailleurs plus grande actualité, que de centrer le propos sur ces managers et ces responsables dont les transgressions éthiques sont lourdes de conséquences pour les personnes qu’ils doivent normalement aider autant que diriger, et les institutions qu’ils représentent et auxquelles ils doivent aussi rendre des comptes. C’est pourquoi dans leur cas, l’éthique est bien souvent ce lieu de conflit entre l’idéal d’humanité qui va de pair avec leur responsabilité et la réalité de l’action quotidienne, où la pression et l’exigence de soumission les amènent parfois à le bafouer. Un double message en quelque sorte. Merci à Daniel Chernet d’avoir accepté de lancer ce débat et à nos lecteurs d’avoir contribué, avec talent, à le faire avancer. J.P.Q.
Les Mascottes des Sentiments : une éducation émotionnelle pour les enfants
Authors: Beauvineau Geneviève , Blain-Joguet Evelyne 
Published: September 2014

« La personne autonome accepte la responsabilité de ce qu’elle vit, prend ses décisions en fonction de ses critères personnels et non plus pour s’adapter, vit ses sentiments authentiques et les exprime selon ses choix, perçoit l’autre et elle-même comme une personne qui a le droit d’exister et mérite d’être respectée » 1 .
La circulation de l'énergie dans le contrat triangulaire
Authors: de Miribel Marielle 
Published: September 2014

À partir de son expérience dans les bibliothèques l’auteure propose un nouveau mode d’emploi du contrat triangulaire de Fanita English. Elle suggère de traiter les côtés de ce triangle comme des axes le long desquels circulerait de l’énergie. En fonction du blocage de ce flux énergétique à certains endroits, et en fonction de la distance psychologique variable entre les sommets du triangle le contrat connaît des dynamiques plus ou moins fructueuses ; un travail préalable au sein de chaque pôle ou sommet du triangle constitue un apport utile pour la réussite de ce qui suit en formation. J.P. Q.