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Objective To investigate the risk factors attributable to tuberculosis-related deaths in areas with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection epidemics. Methods A prospective cohort study of newly registered patients in tuberculosis (TB) dispensaries in six representative Chinese provinces was conducted from September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2011. Risk factors for TB-associated death were identified through logistic regression analysis. Results Of 19,103 newly registered pulmonary TB patients, 925 (4.8%) were found to be HIV-positive. Miliary TB and acid-fast bacillus smear-negative TB were more common among these patients. Out of a total of 322 (1.7%) deaths that occurred during TB treatment, 85 (26%) of the patients were co-infected with HIV. Multivariate analysis revealed that HIV infection was the strongest predictor of death [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 7.86]. Other significant mortality risk factors included presentation with miliary TB (aOR 4.10; 95% confidence interval: 2.14-7.88), ≥35 years of age (aOR 3.04), non-Han ethnicity (aOR 1.67), and farming as an occupation (aOR 1.59). For patients with TB/HIV co-infection, miliary TB was the strongest risk factor for death (aOR 5.48). A low CD4 count (≤ 200 cells/µL) (aOR 3.27) at the time of TB treatment initiation and a lack of antiretroviral therapy (ART) administration (aOR 3.78) were also correlated with an increased risk of death. Conclusion Infection with HIV was independently associated with increased mortality during TB treatment. Offering HIV testing at the time of diagnosis with TB, early TB diagnosis among HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients, and the timely provision of ART were identified as the key approaches that could reduce the number of HIV-associated TB deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tribological properties of Ni-based composites containing silver and molybdenum disulfide were studied from room temperature to 700°C. The composites were prepared by powder metallurgy technique and the phase composition and microstructure were addressed according to the characterization by SEM and XRD. The results show that the composites were composed of Ni, Cr2O3, Ag and Cr x S y phases after sintering. The best tribological properties were obtained when the silver and molybdenum disulfide contents were 20wt% and 8.5wt%, respectively. The tribo-chemical reaction occurred between Ag and Mo oxide during the rubbing process, which led to the formation of silver molybdate lubricating film. The improved tribological properties were attributed to the formation of silver molybdate lubricating tribolayers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]