bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights into deregulated TNF and IL-10 production in malaria: implications for understanding severe malarial anaemia
Authors: Boeuf Philippe S , Loizon Séverine , Awandare Gordon A , Tetteh John KA , Addae Michael M , Adjei George O , Goka Bamenla , AL Kurtzhals Jørgen , Puijalon Odile , Hviid Lars , Akanmori Bartholomew D , Behr Charlotte 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Severe malarial anaemia (SMA) is a major life-threatening complication of paediatric malaria. Protracted production of pro-inflammatory cytokines promoting erythrophagocytosis and depressing erythropoiesis is thought to play an important role in SMA, which is characterized by a high TNF/IL-10 ratio. Whether this TNF/IL-10 imbalance results from an intrinsic incapacity of SMA patients to produce IL-10 or from an IL-10 unresponsiveness to infection is unknown. Monocytes and T cells are recognized as the main sources of TNF and IL-10 in vivo, but little is known about the activation status of those cells in SMA patients.

Methods
The IL-10 and TNF production capacity and the activation phenotype of monocytes and T cells were compared in samples collected from 332 Ghanaian children with non-overlapping SMA (n = 108), cerebral malaria (CM) (n = 144) or uncomplicated malaria (UM) (n = 80) syndromes. Activation status of monocytes and T cells was ascertained by measuring HLA-DR+ and/or CD69+ surface expression by flow cytometry. The TNF and IL-10 production was assessed in a whole-blood assay after or not stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phytohaemaglutinin (PHA) used as surrogate of unspecific monocyte and T cell stimulant. The number of circulating pigmented monocytes was also determined.

Results
Monocytes and T cells from SMA and CM patients showed similar activation profiles with a comparable decreased HLA-DR expression on monocytes and increased frequency of CD69+ and HLA-DR+ T cells. In contrast, the acute-phase IL-10 production was markedly decreased in SMA compared to CM (P = .003) and UM (P = .004). Although in SMA the IL-10 response to LPS-stimulation was larger in amplitude than in CM (P = .0082), the absolute levels of IL-10 reached were lower (P = .013). Both the amplitude and levels of TNF produced in response to LPS-stimulation were larger in SMA than CM (P = .019). In response to PHA-stimulation, absolute levels of IL-10 produced in SMA were lower than in CM (P = .005) contrasting with TNF levels, which were higher (P = .001).

Conclusions
These data reveal that SMA patients have the potential to mount efficient IL-10 responses and that the TNF/IL-10 imbalance may reflect a specific monocyte and T cell programming/polarization pattern in response to infection.
Anti-plasmodial action of de novo-designed, cationic, lysine-branched, amphipathic, helical peptides
Authors: Kaushik Naveen K , Sharma Jyotsna , Sahal Dinkar 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
A lack of vaccine and rampant drug resistance demands new anti-malarials.

Methods

In vitro blood stage anti-plasmodial properties of several de novo-designed, chemically synthesized, cationic, amphipathic, helical, antibiotic peptides were examined against Plasmodium falciparum using SYBR Green assay. Mechanistic details of anti-plasmodial action were examined by optical/fluorescence microscopy and FACS analysis.

Results
Unlike the monomeric decapeptides {(Ac-GXRKXHKXWA-NH2) (X = F,ΔF) (Fm, ΔFm IC50 >100 μM)}, the lysine-branched,dimeric versions showed far greater potency {IC50 (μM) Fd 1.5 , ΔFd 1.39}. The more helical and proteolytically stable ΔFd was studied for mechanistic details. ΔFq, a K-K2 dendrimer of ΔFm and (ΔFm)2 a linear dimer of ΔFm showed IC50 (μM) of 0.25 and 2.4 respectively. The healthy/infected red cell selectivity indices were >35 (ΔFd), >20 (ΔFm)2 and 10 (ΔFq). FITC-ΔFd showed rapid and selective accumulation in parasitized red cells. Overlaying DAPI and FITC florescence suggested that ΔFd binds DNA. Trophozoites and schizonts incubated with ΔFd (2.5 μM) egressed anomalously and Band-3 immunostaining revealed them not to be associated with RBC membrane. Prematurely egressed merozoites from peptide-treated cultures were found to be invasion incompetent.

Conclusion
Good selectivity (>35), good resistance index (1.1) and low cytotoxicity indicate the promise of ΔFd against malaria.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy for abdominal oligometastases: a biological and clinical review
Authors: Almaghrabi Mohammed Yahia , Supiot Stéphane , Paris Francois , Mahé Marc-André , Rio Emmanuel 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Advances in imaging and biological targeting have led to the development of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as an alternative treatment of extracranial oligometastases. New radiobiological concepts, such as ceramide-induced endothelial apoptosis after hypofractionated high-dose SBRT, and the identification of patients with oligometastatic disease by microRNA expression may yet lead to further developments. Key factors in SBRT are delivery of a high dose per fraction, proper patient positioning, target localisation, and management of breathing–related motion. Our review addresses the radiation doses and schedules used to treat liver, abdominal lymph node (LN) and adrenal gland oligometastases and treatment outcomes. Reported local control (LC) rates for liver and abdominal LN oligometastases are high (median 2-year actuarial LC: 61 -100% for liver oligometastases; 4-year actuarial LC: 68% in a study of abdominal LN oligometastases). Early toxicity is low-to-moderate; late adverse effects are rare. SBRT of adrenal gland oligometastases shows promising results in the case of isolated lesions. In conclusion, properly conducted SBRT procedures are a safe and effective treatment option for abdominal oligometastases.
The release of IL‐31 and IL‐13 after nasal allergen challenge and their relation to nasal symptoms
Authors: Baumann Ralf , Rabaszowski Matthaeus , Stenin Igor , Gaertner‐Akerboom Maria , Scheckenbach Kathrin , Wiltfang Jens , Schipper Joerg , Wagenmann Martin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundIL‐31, a recently discovered member of the gp130/IL‐6 cytokine family, is mainly expressed by human mast cells and T helper type 2 cells. IL‐31 is a key trigger of atopic dermatitis. Recent studies also suggest a role of IL‐31 in the pathogenesis of other allergic diseases including allergic rhinitis. In the present study we studied the release of IL‐31 and IL‐13 in allergen‐challenged allergic rhinitis patients.MethodsSeven seasonal allergic volunteers underwent unilateral nasal provocation with allergen (and a control challenge) with the disc method out of the allergy season. Nasal symptom scores (rhinorrhea, itching, sneezing, obstruction) and bilateral nasal secretions were quantified before and after allergen provocation. IL‐13 and IL‐31 in nasal secretions and serum were measured by electrochemiluminescent immunoassay or ELISA, respectively.ResultsNasal allergen challenge induced the typical clinical symptoms and physiological changes. IL‐31 and IL‐13 in nasal secretions increased in four and five, respectively, volunteers at 5 h after allergen but not after control challenge. We observed correlation trends between nasal IL‐31 concentrations and IL‐13 concentrations (r = 0.9, p = 0.002), and IL‐31 contents and symptom scores (r = 0.9, p = 0.013) 5 h after allergen provocation. No IL‐31 could be detected contralaterally or systemically in the sera.ConclusionsThe observed local upregulation of IL‐31 mainly during the late phase reaction after nasal allergen challenge suggests a role of IL‐31 in allergic rhinitis. In which way IL‐31 modulates the inflammatory reaction and type 2 responses in allergic rhinitis remains to be investigated.
Ciliary and non-ciliary expression and function of PACRGduring vertebrate development
Authors: Thumberger Thomas , Hagenlocher Cathrin , Tisler Matthias , Beyer Tina , Tietze Nina , Schweickert Axel , Feistel Kerstin , Blum Martin 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background

Park2-co-regulated gene (PACRG) is evolutionarily highly conserved from green algae to mammals. In Chlamydomonas and trypanosomes, the PACRG protein associates with flagella. Loss of PACRG results in shortened or absent flagella. In mouse the PACRG protein is required for spermatogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to analyze (1) the expression patterns of PACRG during vertebrate embryogenesis, and (2) whether the PACRG protein was required for left-right (LR) axis specification through cilia-driven leftward flow in Xenopus laevis.

Methods

PACRG cDNAs were cloned and expression was analyzed during early embryonic development of Xenopus, mouse, rabbit and zebrafish. Antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (MO) mediated gene knockdown was applied in Xenopus to investigate LR development at the level of tissue morphology, leftward flow and asymmetric marker gene expression, using timelapse videography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and whole-mount in situ hybridization. Results were statistically evaluated using Wilcoxon paired and χ2 tests.

Results

PACRG mRNA expression was found in cells and tissues harboring cilia throughout the vertebrates. Highly localized expression was also detected in the brain. During early development, PACRG was specifically localized to epithelia where leftward flow arises, that is, the gastrocoel roof plate (GRP) in Xenopus, the posterior notochord (PNC) in mammals and Kupffer’s vesicle (KV) in zebrafish. Besides its association with ciliary axonemes, subcellular localization of PACRG protein was found around the nucleus and in a spotty pattern in the cytoplasm. A green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion construct preferentially labeled cilia, rendering PACRG a versatile marker for live imaging. Loss-of-function in the frog resulted dose dependently in LR, neural tube closure and gastrulation defects, representing ciliary and non-ciliary functions of PACRG.

Conclusions
The PACRG protein is a novel essential factor of cilia in Xenopus.
Perspectives on the Incredible Years programme: psychological
management of conduct disorder
Authors: Bywater Tracey J. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryTwo out of three children diagnosed with conduct disorder will not outgrow
it without treatment. It is costly to the individual in terms of negative
life outcomes and to society in terms of increased health, social and
education service use. Psychosocial interventions are effective in
psychologically managing and preventing the onset of conduct disorder.
Adjustment disorder: implications for ICD-11 and
DSM-5
Authors: Casey Patricia , Doherty Anne 
Published: August 2012

SummaryAdjustment disorder has been a recognised disorder for decades but has been
the subject of little epidemiological research. Now researchers have
identified the prevalence of adjustment disorder in primary care, and found
general practitioner recognition very low but with high rates of
antidepressant prescribing. Possible reasons for the seemingly low
prevalence, recognition rate and inappropriate management include its
recognition as a residual category in diagnostic instruments and poor
delineation from other disorders or from normal stress responses. These
problems could be rectified in ICD-11 and DSM-5 if changes according it full
syndromal status, among others, were made. This would have an impact on
future research.
Clinical usefulness of the triaxial system in super-selective transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shimohira Masashi , Ogino Hiroyuki , Kawai Tatsuya , Sakurai Keita , Nakagawa Motoo , Shibamoto Yuta 
Published: August 2012

Background Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been widely performed for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Super-selective TACE is preferable to non-selective therapy and it is important to advance the catheter tip as close to the tumor as possible in the feeding artery. A new microcatheter with a 1.9-Fr non-tapered tip has recently become available and this new microcatheter can be inserted into a 2.7-Fr. microcatheter. It is called the triple co-axial (triaxial) system. Purpose To evaluate the clinical usefulness of super-selective TACE for HCC using the triaxial system. Material and Methods We evaluated 63 HCCs that underwent super-selective TACE. Requirements for inclusion in this study were: (a) HCCs 3 cm or less in diameter; (b) TACE performed by a single operator; and (c) no additional treatment in the absence of local progression. All patients were followed for more than 1 year after TACE. The median follow-up period for surviving patients was 20 months (range, 17–31 months). The conventional system was used in 35 HCCs (control group), and the triaxial system was used in 28 (triaxial group). We reviewed angiographies at TACE and follow-up CT, and then evaluated local tumor status in the two groups. Results Local tumor control rates at 3, 6, and 18 months were 64%, 36%, and 29%, respectively, in the triaxial group, and 40%, 14%, and 8.6%, respectively, in the control group ( P = 0.0086). There were no major complications in either group. Conclusion The triaxial system appears to be useful for super-selective TACE and may contribute to achieving higher local control rates for HCC.
Evaluation of an improved method of simulating lung nodules in chest tomosynthesis
Authors: Svalkvist Angelica , Johnsson Åse Allansdotter , Vikgren Jenny , Håkansson Markus , Ullman Gustaf , Boijsen Marianne , Fisichella Valeria , Flinck Agneta , Molnar David , Månsson Lars Gunnar , Båth Magnus 
Published: August 2012

Background Simulated pathology is a valuable complement to clinical images in studies aiming at evaluating an imaging technique. In order for a study using simulated pathology to be valid, it is important that the simulated pathology in a realistic way reflect the characteristics of real pathology. Purpose To perform a thorough evaluation of a nodule simulation method for chest tomosynthesis, comparing the detection rate and appearance of the artificial nodules with those of real nodules in an observer performance experiment. Material and Methods A cohort consisting of 64 patients, 38 patients with a total of 129 identified pulmonary nodules and 26 patients without identified pulmonary nodules, was used in the study. Simulated nodules, matching the real clinically found pulmonary nodules by size, attenuation, and location, were created and randomly inserted into the tomosynthesis section images of the patients. Three thoracic radiologists and one radiology resident reviewed the images in an observer performance study divided into two parts. The first part included nodule detection and the second part included rating of the visual appearance of the nodules. The results were evaluated using a modified receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results The sensitivities for real and simulated nodules were comparable, as the area under the modified ROC curve (AUC) was close to 0.5 for all observers (range, 0.43–0.55). Even though the ratings of visual appearance for real and simulated nodules overlapped considerably, the statistical analysis revealed that the observers to were able to separate simulated nodules from real nodules (AUC values range 0.70–0.74). Conclusion The simulation method can be used to create artificial lung nodules that have similar detectability as real nodules in chest tomosynthesis, although experienced thoracic radiologists may be able to distinguish them from real nodules.
DBD plasma reactor for oxidative decomposition of Chlorobenzene
Authors: Sivachandiran L. , Karuppiah J. , Subrahmanyam Ch. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Oxidative decomposition of chlorobenzene diluted in air was carried out in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor. In order to understand the role of the ground electrode, various reactor configurations were tested. Among silver paste, copper wire and aluminum foil tested as the outer electrodes, typical results indicated the best performance of silver paste, probably due to uniform distribution of microdischarges. Likewise, low flow rates gave better conversion and selectivity to gaseous products.
The Role of Catalytic Site Deposition on Cobalt Catalysts Supported on Carbon Nanotubes for Fisher-Trospch Synthesis
Authors: Surisetty Venkateswara Rao , Epelde Eva , Trépanier Mariane , Kozinski Janusz , Dalai Ajay K. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The influence of the catalytic site deposition on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was investigated on cobalt catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes. The catalysts were prepared using incipient wetness impregnation by controlling the deposition of catalytic sites on either the inner or the outer surfaces of nanotubes. The catalysts were characterized extensively and the reaction was performed at similar operating conditions. The in-10Co/CNT catalyst showed better CO conversion compared to the out-10Co/CNT catalyst at all reaction temperatures. An improvement on the catalyst performance was demonstrated in the case of particle deposition inside the pores of the nanotubes with higher C5+ and C2-C4 selectivity.
Benchmarking Radioactive Particle Tracking (RPT) with Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA)
Authors: Upadhyay Rajesh K. , Roy Shantanu , Pant Harish J. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In current work, Radioactive Particle Tracking (RPT) experiment has been performed in a rectangular bubble column having dimensions reported by Pfleger et al. (1999). As has been reported in recent decades, RPT has come to be accepted now as a reliable and versatile non-invasive flow measurement technique for mapping the flow fields in multiphase reactors.In this work, the objective has been to benchmark RPT (which is a very versatile technique) against reported data (Pfleger et al. 1999) with Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) (which is claimed to be a very accurate technique at low volume fractions of the dispersed phase). We show that RPT does remarkably well both in terms of versatility and accuracy. Overall, this work helps to establish the accuracy standards of the RPT technique.
Influence of the kinetic sub-model on the performance of a comprehensive model of a micro-scale catalytic reactor
Authors: Vaccaro Salvatore , Malangone Luca 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This work investigated a micro-scale catalytic plate reactor designed for thermal coupling of an exothermic reaction (combustion) to endothermic reforming reactions. The system was studied through both experiments and modelling. A 3D model, previously developed by the authors, was employed and adapted to simulate the real reactor geometry. The aim of the work was to study the influence of different kinetic sub-models for the reforming reactions on the model results. Multi-component mass transport was modelled using a Fick-like law. Operating conditions utilized in the experiments and for the modelling were those typical of reforming reactions. The kinetics sub-models of the methane reforming and combustion reactions were taken from the literature. In particular, for the combustion process a power-law kinetic expression was used with a linear dependence on methane concentration and zero dependence on oxygen concentration. Instead, for the reforming reactions two different kinetics, suggested, respectively, by Xu and Froment and by Hou and Hughes, were employed. The comparison between model results and experimental findings was performed to discriminate which of the two reforming kinetics was more suitable to describe the experiments. It was found that when using the reforming proposed by kinetics Hou and Hughes was employed, the agreement between model results and experiments was elevated while it resulted poor when the other kinetic sub-model was used. An analysis of the features and of the origins of the two sub-models was performed and the comparisons with the characteristics of our experiments was carried out in order to find the reasons for the different agreement.
Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Schiff Bases: A Green Approach
Authors: Chakraborty Mousumi , Baweja Sanjay , Bhagat Sunita , Chundawat TejpalSingh 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In the present study Schiff’s bases are synthesized by the conventional as well as by microwave irradiation. Excellent yield within short reaction time is obtained using microwave irradiation along with other advantages like mild reaction condition, non-hazardous and safer environmental conditions. The effects of temperature, reactant molar ratio, and microwave power variation on yield are observed. Mathematical model has been developed using matlab software to obtain the yield as a function of microwave power. Kinetic study of the reaction has also been attempted. Schiff’s bases structures are confirmed by IR, 1HNMR, Mass Spectra and elemental analysis.
Validation and Application of Computational Modeling to Reduce Erosion in a Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler
Authors: Blaser Peter J. , Corina Giorgio 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The 40 MW Strongoli power plant, located in the Calabria region of Italy, produces power from 100% biomass sources. The combustion of wood biomass, exhausted olive residues and palm kernel shells, occurs in a sand-filled, Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) combustor. Operational experience with the unit dates back to 2003. This paper describes the optimization of the boiler in order to minimize erosion on internal surfaces and structures. Detailed three-dimensional, transient, multiphase gas-solid flow fields were computed and are presented. Details of the complex geometry include the combustion chamber, cyclone, cyclone dipleg, seal pot, fluidized bed heat exchanger and cyclone outlet structures including suspension tubes. The gas-solid flow was computed using the commercially-available software package Barracuda, a CFD software based on a unique Eulerian-Lagrangian formulation that was essential to the success of the subject work. Both instantaneous and time-averaged results were obtained. Results were validated against operational erosion experience. The validated model, in turn, was utilized to redesign various components of the boiler, optimizing both erosion characteristics and performance behaviour of the system. The redesigned unit was commissioned in early 2012.
New Correlations of Volumetric Liquid-Phase Mass Transfer Coefficients in Gas-Inducing Agitated Tank Reactors
Authors: Yu Hesheng , Tan Zhongchao 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Volumetric liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient (kLa) is one of the most important parameters for the evaluation of the performance of a gas-inducing agitated tank (GIAT). In this paper, two equations in terms of power input per unit liquid volume (P/VL) and relative gas dispersion parameter (NI/Ncd), respectively, are developed according to data in literature. They can correlate existing kLa values within ±20% of measured ones for bladed impellers with different impeller submergence to tank diameter ratios in the range of 0.5 -1.23. In order to validate these equations, the liquid phase mass transfer coefficients in a continuous GIAT equipped with a 4-blade straight impeller were measured by removal of oxygen from water. It was found that the equation in P/VL criterion could correlate kLa values within ±12% of the experimental data, and the equation in NI/Ncd criterion could correlate kLa values within ±15.6% with an exception of 26.8% for NI = 16.7 Hz.