bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ratio of serum amyloid A to C‐reactive protein is constant in the same patients but differs greatly between patients with inflammatory diseases
Authors: Saiki Osamu , Uda Hiroshi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractC‐reactive protein (CRP) is commonly monitored to track the activity of inflammation and has become the gold standard in the management of all inflammatory diseases. Indeed, serum amyloid A (SAA) have seemed to correlate moderately with CRP, but the discrepancy of CRP and SAA levels has often been reported, especially in rheumatoid arthritis. Then, we examined CRP reflects a real magnitude of inflammation in patients with rheumatic and infectious inflammatory diseases. A total of 414 patients with infectious and non‐infectious inflammatory diseases were enrolled. At initial visit, each patient underwent a clinical assessment and had also laboratory tests such as SAA and CRP. In each patient, we carried out a longitudinal analysis of CRP and SAA levels. We determined the inter‐individual correlation between SAA and CRP and also clarified intra‐individual changes of SAA/CRP ratio. SAA and CRP levels changed approximately linearly over time within individuals irrespective of rheumatic and infectious inflammatory diseases. However, SAA/CRP ratios differed dramatically between patients (from 0.117 to 50.8, median 5.71). In patients with high SAA/CRP ratio (>8.44), SAA is a better predictor of inflammation than CRP. In contrast, CRP is a better predictor in patients with low ratio (<3.52). Our results suggest that the SAA/CRP ratio differed greatly between individuals but was constant in intra‐individuals. Low CRP levels could be accompanied by SAA levels predicting any degree of inflammation, implying that CRP is not reflecting a real magnitude of inflammation. To evaluate the real magnitude of inflammation, to access the SAA/CRP ratio in advance is essential.
COVID‐19 vaccination timing and kidney transplant waitlist management: An international perspective
Authors: Caliskan Yasar , Axelrod David , Guenette Alexis , Lam Ngan N. , Kute Vivek , Alhamad Tarek , Schnitzler Mark A. , Lentine Krista L. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for solid organ transplant programs worldwide. The aim of this study is to assess an international perspective on challenges faced by kidney transplant programs.MethodsWe administered an electronic survey instrument from January 3, 2021 to June 8, 2021 to staff at transplant programs outside the United States that comprised of 10 questions addressing the management of kidney transplant candidates with asymptomatic COVID‐19 infection or unvaccinated who receive an organ offer.ResultsRespondents (n = 62) represented 19 countries in five continents. Overall, 90.3% of respondents encourage vaccination on the waiting list and prior to planned living donor transplant. Twelve percent of respondents reported that they have decided to inactivate unsensitized candidates (calculated panel reactive antibody, cPRA <80%) until they received the two doses of vaccination, and 7% report inactivating candidates who have received their first vaccine dose pending receipt of their second dose. The majority (88.5%) of international respondents declined organs for asymptomatic, nucleic acid testing (NAT)+ patients during admission without documented prior infection. However, 22.9% of international respondents proceeded with kidney transplant in NAT+ patients who were at least 30 days from initial diagnosis with negative chest imaging.ConclusionsPractitioners in some countries are less willing to accept deceased donor organs for waitlist candidates with incomplete COVID‐19 vaccination status and to wait longer before scheduling living donor transplant, compared to United States practices. Access to vaccinations and other resources may contribute to these differences. More research is needed to guide the optimal approach to vaccination before and after transplant.
Autoantibodies to red blood cell surface Glycophorin A impact the activation poise of circulating leukocytes
Authors: Klein Matthew N. , Larkin Emily J. , Marshall Juliana N. , Fan Xiaoxuan , Parry Philippe , Tirouvanziam Rabindra , Fontaine Magali J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundBoth M and N alleles encode antigens on Glycophorin A (GPA), a red blood cell (RBC) surface sialoglycoprotein. Interaction between RBC GPA and leukocyte surface lectins may downregulate their activation. The current study investigates if RBC autoantibodies against GPA, such as auto‐anti‐M/N, prime an activated phenotype in peripheral blood leukocytes.MethodsLeukocyte activation was assessed in whole blood from patients with auto‐anti‐GPA (anti‐M/N) and compared to those with allo‐anti‐M/N and healthy subjects. Control samples from healthy subjects with no antibodies incubated in vitro with either anti‐GPA or anti‐Rh were analyzed for neutrophil and monocyte surface activation marker expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, and formation of aggregates with RBCs. Samples incubated with an IgG1 isotype antibody served as controls.ResultsEx vivo, neutrophil CD66b and monocyte CD63 surface expression was increased in patients with auto‐anti‐M/N compared to those with allo anti‐M/N (p = .1757; p = .0698) and to healthy subjects (p = .0186; p = .013). In vitro, neutrophil CD66b and monocyte CD63 surface expression was increased following incubation with anti‐GPA compared to anti‐Rh (p = .0003; p = .0328) and isotype control (p = .000; p = .0062). Intracellular ROS content increased in both neutrophils and monocytes incubated with anti‐GPA compared to anti‐Rh (p = .0012; p = .0693) and isotype control (p = .001; p = .0021). Percentage of neutrophil‐RBC aggregates was decreased when incubated with anti‐GPA compared to isotype control (p < .01).ConclusionsNeutrophils and monocytes in peripheral blood exposed to an antibody directed against GPA on RBC surfaces, such as M or N antigens, may be primed towards an activated phenotype.
Efficacy of olanexidine gluconate in canine superficial pyoderma: a randomised, single‐blinded controlled trial
Authors: Hsiao Yun‐Hsia , Imanishi Ichiro , Iyori Keita 
Published: November 2021

BackgroundTopical treatments can be beneficial for managing canine superficial pyoderma. A novel antiseptic agent, olanexidine gluconate, has become available recently for use in humans, and its efficacy for canine pyoderma as topical therapy is unknown.ObjectiveThe antimicrobial effect of olanexidine was evaluated using minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) towards Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Furthermore, its clinical efficacy in canine superficial pyoderma was assessed in a randomized, single‐blinded study.AnimalsTwenty‐eight client‐owned dogs with atopic dermatitis and superficial pyoderma.Methods and materialsThe MIC of olanexidine was determined for S. pseudintermedius isolates (n=73) by serial dilution of 96‐well broth microdilution method. Regarding the clinical trial, all recruited dogs were randomized into two groups; one treated with 1.5% olanexidine spray once daily and the other with a 3% chlorhexidine shampoo once a week for 2 times, respectively. Clinical assessment was performed at days 0 and 14 according to the guidelines of the Japanese Society of Antimicrobials for Animals.ResultsThe MIC values for methicillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) and methicillin‐sensitive S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) were 0.23 μg/ml and 0.24 μg/ml (P =0.9), respectively. In clinical trial, olanexidine and chlorhexidine showed substantial improvement in clinical presentation compared to the baseline.Conclusions and clinical importanceOlanexidine showed comparable efficacy to chlorhexidine (P=0.73). Moreover, the MIC against S. pseudintermedius indicated high bactericidal activity, which was supported by the topical effectiveness of olanexidine.
Whole genome sequencing and de novo assembly of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: a pangenome approach to unravelling pathogenesis of canine pyoderma
Authors: Ferrer Lluís , García‐Fonticoba Rocío , Pérez Daniel , Viñes Joaquim , Fàbregas Norma , Madroñero Sergi , Meroni Gabriele , Martino Piera A. , Martínez Sofía , Maté M. Laura , Sánchez‐Bruni Sergio , Cuscó Anna , Migura‐García Lourdes , Francino Olga 
Published: November 2021

BackgroundStaphylococcus pseudintermedius is the main aetiological agent of canine pyoderma. Whole genome sequencing is the most comprehensive way of obtaining relevant genomic information about micro‐organisms.Hypothesis/ObjectivesOxford Nanopore technology enables quality sequencing and de novo assembly of the whole genome of S. pseudintermedius. Whole genome analysis of S. pseudintermedius may help to better understand the pathogenesis of canine pyodermas.Methods and materialsTwenty‐two strains of S. pseudintermedius isolated from the skin of five healthy dogs and 33 strains isolated from skin of 33 dogs with pyoderma were analysed. DNA was extracted and sequenced using Oxford Nanopore MinION, a new technology that delivers longer reads in a hand‐held device. The pangenome was analysed and visualised with Anvi’o 6.1.ResultsNanopore technology allowed the sequencing and de novo assembly of the genomes of 55 S. pseudintermedius strains isolated from healthy dogs and from dogs with pyoderma. The average genome size of S. pseudintermedius was 2.62 Mbp, with 48% being core genome. Pyoderma isolates contained a higher number of antimicrobial resistance genes, yet the total number of virulence factors genes did not change between isolates from healthy dogs and from dogs with pyoderma. Genomes of meticillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) strains were larger than those of meticillin‐susceptible (MSSP) strains (2.80 Mbp versus 2.59 Mbp), as a consequence of a greater presence of antimicrobial resistance genes, phages and prophages.Conclusions and clinical importanceThis technique allows much more precise and easier characterisation of canine S. pseudintermedius populations and may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of canine pyodermas.
Microplastics throughout a tap water supply network
Authors: Dalmau‐Soler Joan , Ballesteros‐Cano Rubèn , Ferrer Núria , Boleda M. Rosa , Lacorte Sílvia 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of microplastics in drinking water along a large distribution water supply network. Tap water was collected in situ at sampling cabinets using an in‐line sampling procedure that provided a representative sample with minimal risk of external contamination and avoided the transportation of large volumes to the laboratory. Microplastics > 50 μm were analysed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Microplastics were detected in 38% of samples with a mean concentration of 0.01 microplastics per litre and polymers identified were polypropylene (PP), polyester (PES) and polyamide (PA). Detection of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and silicone particles were associated to the maintenance of cabinets. This study contributes to increase the knowledge regarding the presence and behaviour of microplastics throughout a large drinking water supply network providing water to 3 000 000 inhabitants. Results indicate that the pipes and the supply network not release microplastics into the drinking water.
Use of EBP as a Problem‐Solving Approach to Improve Patient Satisfaction While Overcoming the COVID Pandemic Barriers
Authors: Berryman Jeri 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires hospitals to meet rigorous patient satisfaction requirements for reimbursement. One metric used for patient satisfaction is call light responsiveness within a unit.AimsTo meet target call light responsiveness benchmarks at a 45‐bed telemetry, medical–surgical nursing unit within a Magnet® designated hospital.MethodsAn evidence‐based practice (EBP) project model was utilized. The chief nursing officer worked with an EBP nurse mentor. A PICOT (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time) question was developed to guide the literature search. Literature was critically appraised, and a resulting intervention was established. Nurse educators taught the unit nurses how to perform the intervention, and intervention integration was assessed via direct observation. Call light responsiveness data were collected to assess whether targets were met.ResultsFive articles were deemed as applicable to the PICOT question, and the best evidence determined that using the 4Ps (pain, presence, “potty,” and positioning) during structured registered nurse (RN) care rounding every 2 h improved patient outcomes. After RN education and implementation, hospital call light responsiveness began to improve.Linking Evidence to ActionRounding without intention increases RN workload and does not result in improved patient outcomes or a satisfied patient. RN rounding every 2 h is effective and efficient when done with intention (i.e., adhering to the 4Ps). RN patient rounds done every 2 h with intention improved patient satisfaction and other patient outcomes such as a decrease in call light usage.
Optical and Numerical Investigations of Flame Propagation in a Heavy Duty Spark Ignited Natural Gas Engine
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Ulishney Christopher , Dumitrescu Cosmin E. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Increasing the natural gas (NG) use in heavy-duty engines is beneficial for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions from power generation and transportation. However, converting compression ignition (CI) engines to NG spark ignition operation can increase methane emissions without expensive aftertreatment, thereby defeating the purpose of utilizing a low carbon fuel. The widely accepted explanation for the low combustion efficiency in such retrofitted engines is the lower laminar flame speed of natural gas. In addition, diesel engine’s larger bowl size compared to the traditional gasoline engines increases the flame travel length inside the chamber and extends the combustion duration. However, optical measurements performed in this study suggested that a fast-propagating flame was developed inside the cylinder even at extremely lean operation. This was supported by a three-dimensional numerical simulation, which indicated that the squish region of the bowl-in-piston chamber generated a high turbulence intensity inside the bowl. However, the flame propagation experienced a sudden 2.25x reduction in speed when transiting from the bowl to the squish region. Such a phenomenon was caused by the large decrease in the turbulence intensity inside the squish region during the combustion process. Moreover, the squish volume trapped an important fuel fraction, and it is this fraction that experienced a slow and inefficient burning process during the expansion stroke. This resulted in increased methane emissions and reduced combustion efficiency. Overall, it was the specifics of the combustion process inside a bowl-in-piston chamber not the methane’s slow laminar flame speed that contributed to the low methane combustion efficiency for the retrofitted engine. The results suggest that optimizing the chamber shape is paramount to boost engine efficiency and decrease its emissions.
A Numerical Study on the Effects of EGR Dilution in a Pre-Chamber Ignited Natural Gas Engine
Authors: Chinnathambi Prasanna , Kim Joohan , Scarcelli Riccardo , Som Sibendu , Shah Ashish , Biruduganti Munidhar S. , Longman Douglas E. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Lean burn natural gas engines offer low particulate emissions than diesel counterparts and provides higher efficiency when compared to stoichiometric operation. However, with the lean burn strategy, three-way catalysts (TWC) compatibility is lost due to the oxidized exhaust stream. In comparison, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) dilution strategy can maintain compatibility with emission after-treatment systems. The maximum tolerated EGR levels are limited by the combustion stability degradation resulting from unfavorable mixture gas composition. Prechamber spark ignition (PCSI) systems, known to increase dilution tolerance in SI engines under lean conditions, was evaluated as a means to improve EGR dilution tolerance. Scavenging of residuals within the pre-chamber is typically a concern with these systems and as such studies on these systems working with various levels of EGR ratios are rare. In this work, an unscavenged (or unfueled, or passive) PCSI system installed in a medium-duty natural gas engine is modeled using CONVERGE CFD code. Simulation results are compared against the experimental data in terms of in-cylinder pressure and heat release rates from low to high (10% to 22%) EGR levels. The prediction capability of two combustion models, a multi-zone well-stirred reactor model and a flamelet-based combustion model, i.e. G-equation, are compared and evaluated under these conditions within the RANS framework. The G-equation model predictions agreed well with experiments up to 18.8% EGR dilution level. In comparison, the MZ-WSR model predicted slow prechamber combustion at all dilution levels which influenced the main chamber combustion phasing.
Large Eddy Simulation of Gasoline Sprays in a Lagrangian-Eulerian Framework Using the High-Order Spectral Element Method
Authors: Colmenares F. Juan D. , Ameen Muhsin M. , Patel Saumil S. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Predicting the spray evolution using simulations requires accurate modeling of the turbulent gas-phase flow field. In this study, the high-order spectral-element method (SEM), implemented in the code Nek5000, was used to provide highly-resolved solutions to the turbulent flow field. Spray modeling capabilities were implemented into the Nek5000 code. The spray is modeled in a Lagrangian-Eulerian (LE) framework, where the liquid is represented by discrete parcels of droplets. The method for coupling liquid and gas in the context of SEM is described, which allows for very fine meshes to be used without affecting the stability of the solution. Large-eddy simulations (LES) of the eight-hole ECN Spray G gasoline injector were conducted. Numerical results are compared against experimental data for liquid penetration, droplet size and gas velocity. The morphology of the multi-plume spray is compared against experimental data. The effect of different spray injection inputs is analyzed. It was found that using a plume direction of 33° and an injection cone angle of 30° produced the best results overall. This work shows the applicability of SEM for spray modeling applications, where use of a high-order flow solver can help us understand the multi-plume spray aerodynamics and how it leads to plume collapse under certain conditions. Results also highlight the need for tuning spray input parameters in the LE framework, even when high-fidelity gas flow solutions are possible.
Transient Thermo-Mechanical Stress Analysis of Hot Surface Probe Using Sequentially Coupled CFD-FEA Approach
Authors: Kang Sang-Guk , Ryu Je Ir , Motily Austen H. , Numkiatsakul Prapassorn , Lee Tonghun , Kriven Waltraud M. , Kim Kenneth S. , Kweon Chol-Bum M. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Energy addition using a hot surface probe is required for reliable ignition of aircraft compression ignition engines running on fuel variations and at altitude conditions. Thus, durability of the hot surface probe is crucial for application in these engines. Thermo-mechanical stress is one of the key parameters that determine durability, which requires an accurate prediction of the transient temperature field based on well-defined boundary conditions representing the dynamic and complex fluid flow inside engines. To meet this requirement, the present study focuses on transient thermo-mechanical stress analysis using a sequentially coupled CFD-FEA approach to understand transient thermo-mechanical responses of the hot surface probe. A 3D transient reacting flow simulation was conducted first using CONVERGE software, the results of which were exported to map thermal and pressure boundary conditions onto a structural finite element mesh. Transient thermo-mechanical stress analysis was performed sequentially using ABAQUS software utilizing the mapped boundary conditions. The results such as transient temperature history, resultant thermo-mechanical stress, displacement, potential failure modes, etc. were critically reviewed, which can provide helpful information for further design improvement.
On Backlund transformation and motion of null Cartan curves
Authors: Erdoğdu Melek , Yavuz Ayşe 
Published: November 2021

The main scope of this paper is to examine null Cartan curves especially the ones with constant torsion. In accordance with this scope, the position vector of a null Cartan curve is stated by a linear combination of the vector fields of its pseudo-orthogonal frame with differentiable functions. However, the most important difference that distinguishes this study from the other studies is that the Bertrand curve couples (timelike, spacelike or null) of null Cartan curves are also examined. Consequently, it is seen that all kinds of Bertrand couples of a given null Cartan curve with constant curvature functions have also constant curvature functions. This result is the most valuable result of the study, but allows us to introduce a transformation on null Cartan curves. Then, it is proved that aforesaid transformation is a Backlund transformation which is well recognized in modern physics. Moreover, motion of an inextensible null Cartan curve is investigated. By considering time evolution of null Cartan curve, the angular momentum vector is examined. And three different situations are given depending on the character of the angular momentum vector [Formula: see text] In the case of [Formula: see text] we discuss the solution of the system which is obtained by compatibility conditions. Finally, we provide the relation between torsion of the curve and the velocity vector components of the moving curve [Formula: see text]
Inhibition of ERK5 Elicits Cellular Senescence in Melanoma via the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21
Authors: Tubita Alessandro , Lombardi Zoe , Tusa Ignazia , Lazzeretti Azzurra , Sgrignani Giovanna , Papini Dimitri , Menconi Alessio , Gagliardi Sinforosa , Lulli Matteo , Dello Sbarba Persio , Esparís-Ogando Azucena , Pandiella Atanasio , Stecca Barbara , Rovida Elisabetta 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMelanoma is the deadliest skin cancer with a very poor prognosis in advanced stages. Although targeted and immune therapies have improved survival, not all patients benefit from these treatments. The mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK5 supports the growth of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. However, ERK5 inhibition results in cell-cycle arrest rather than appreciable apoptosis. To clarify the role of ERK5 in melanoma growth, we performed transcriptomic analyses following ERK5 knockdown in melanoma cells expressing BRAFV600E and found that cellular senescence was among the most affected processes. In melanoma cells expressing either wild-type or mutant (V600E) BRAF, both genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of ERK5 elicited cellular senescence, as observed by a marked increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and p21 expression. In addition, depletion of ERK5 from melanoma cells resulted in increased levels of CXCL1, CXCL8, and CCL20, proteins typically involved in the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Knockdown of p21 suppressed the induction of cellular senescence by ERK5 blockade, pointing to p21 as a key mediator of this process. In vivo, ERK5 knockdown or inhibition with XMD8–92 in melanoma xenografts promoted cellular senescence. Based on these results, small-molecule compounds targeting ERK5 constitute a rational series of prosenescence drugs that may be exploited for melanoma treatment.Significance:This study shows that targeting ERK5 induces p21-mediated cellular senescence in melanoma, identifying a prosenescence effect of ERK5 inhibitors that may be exploited for melanoma treatment.