bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of coagulation profiles for both initial and repeated immunoglobulin resistance in Kawasaki disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Shao Shuran , Yang Lixia , Liu Xiaoliang , Liu Lei , Wu Mei , Deng Yuxin , Duan Hongyu , Li Yifei , Hua Yimin , Luo Lili , Zhou Kaiyu , Wang Chuan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance prediction remains substantial in Kawasaki disease (KD), with limited data on the predictive value of coagulation profile for IVIG resistance, particularly for repeated IVIG resistance. Therefore, the aim of our study was to testify the predictive validity of coagulation profile for both initial IVIG resistance and repeated IVIG resistance in KD.MethodsA total of 385 KD patients were prospectively recruited between April 2015 and May 2019. Coagulation and other profiles were evaluated between the IVIG‐responsive and IVIG‐resistant groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the association between coagulation profiles and IVIG resistance. ROC curves analysis was further performed to assess the validity of coagulation profiles in predicting both initial IVIG resistance and repeated IVIG resistance.ResultsProthrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), international normalized ratio (INR), fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs), and D‐dimer were significantly increased in the initial IVIG‐resistant group with antithrombin III (ATIII) and thrombin time (TT) significantly reduced. Meanwhile, ATIII was declined markedly in repeated IVIG‐resistant patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PT, APTT, D‐dimer, and ATIII were independent risk factors for predicting initial IVIG resistance and ATIII for predicting repeated IVIG‐resistant patients with KD. PT, APTT, D‐dimer, and ATIII cutoff values of 13.95 s, 41.15 s, 1.48 mg/L, and 89.5% yielded sensitivities of 73%, 32%, 71%, and 81%, and specificities of 55%, 88%, 62%, and 51% for predicting initial IVIG resistance, respectively. The cutoff value of ATIII for predicting repeated IVIG resistance was 68.5%, with sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 55%.ConclusionsKD patients who have hypercoagulation during the acute phase might be at higher risk of developing IVIG resistance.
Low CD4 count may be a risk factor for non‐tuberculous mycobacteria infection in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Wobma Holly , Chang Alicia K. , Jin Zhezhen , Baker Courtney , Garvin James , George Diane , Satwani Prakash , Foca Marc , Bhatia Monica 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundHCT leaves patients in a relative state of immune deficiency both during their initial transplant admission and for several years following discharge. NTM are generally harmless colonizers of the outside environment, but for immunocompromised patients, they can cause significant disease due to a paucity of T‐cell defense. While routine prophylaxis against NTM is recommended for patients with low CD4 counts in certain clinical settings (eg, AIDS), this is not yet established for HCT patients despite their higher risk.MethodsHere we build upon our prior work to determine risk factors for NTM in pediatric HCT patients by comparing NTM patient characteristics to matched HCT controls.ResultsWe followed 272 patients across a 13‐year time period, with 11 cases of NTM. Patients with NTM had a significantly lower CD4 count at Day 365 than matched HCT controls (105.5 ± 97.0 cells/µl vs. 856.2 ± 446.1 cells/µl, respectively; p = .001). No other potential risk factors (eg, CMV, GvHD, disease type) were found to be statistically significant, including use of T‐cell depleting agents. This is consistent with an average diagnosis of NTM at Day +323 (ie, outside immediate post‐transplant period). All‐cause mortality was similar between NTM and control HCT groups, with an NTM attributable mortality of <10%.ConclusionSince reduced CD4 counts are associated with NTM, and cost and morbidity are high, azithromycin prophylaxis for CD4 count <200 cells/µl in high‐risk patients should be considered.
Factors associated with long‐term graft survival in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Anand Adrish , Malik Tahir H. , Dunson Jordan , McDonald Malcolm F. , Christmann Caroline R. , Galvan Nhu Thao Nguyen , O’Mahony Christine , Goss John A. , Srivaths Poyyapakkam R. , Brewer Eileen D. , Rana Abbas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPediatric kidney transplant recipients generally have good outcomes post‐transplantation. However, the younger age and longer life span after transplantation in the pediatric population make understanding the multifactorial nature of long‐term graft survival critical. This investigation analyzes factors associated with 10‐year survival to identify areas for improvement in patient care. Kaplan‐Meier with log‐rank test and univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods were used to retrospectively analyze 7785 kidney transplant recipients under the age of 18 years from January 1, 1998, until March 9, 2008, using United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data. Our end‐point was death‐censored 10‐year graft survival after excluding recipients whose grafts failed within one year of transplant. Recipients aged 5–18 years had lower 10‐year graft survival, which worsened as age increased: 5–9 years (OR: 0.66; CI: 0.52–0.83), 10–14 years (OR: 0.43; CI: 0.33–0.55), and 15–18 years (OR: 0.34; CI: 0.26–0.44). Recipient African American ethnicity (OR: 0.67; CI: 0.58–0.78) and Hispanic donor ethnicity (OR: 0.82; CI: 0.72–0.94) had worse outcomes than other donor and recipient ethnicities, as did patients on dialysis at the time of transplant (OR: 0.82; CI: 0.73–0.91). Recipient private insurance status (OR: 1.35; CI: 1.22–1.50) was protective for 10‐year graft survival. By establishing the role of age, race, and insurance status on long‐term graft survival, we hope to guide clinicians in identifying patients at high risk for graft failure. This study highlights the need for increased allocation of resources and medical care to reduce the disparity in outcomes for certain patient populations.
The Initiation and Propagation of the Plastic Zone in a Tension Bar of Mild Steel as Influenced by the Speed of Stretching and Rigidity of Testing Machine
Authors: Miklowitz Julius 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The results of several tension tests with round and flat bars of mild steel and iron, under the influence of variations in speed of stretching and testing-machine rigidity, are presented. The emphasis in this work has been placed upon explaining the yield-point phenomena, as viewed externally on a stress-strain diagram, by the observations made and data taken on the internal localized yielding, as presented by the test piece. The study has been focused on the initiation of the plastic zone and the propagation of the boundaries of this zone, sometimes called the plastic working lengths, along the length of the tensile specimen.
The Mobility Method Applied to Mechanical Wave Filters With Inductive Coupling
Authors: Winzer Alice 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper describes a new analysis of mechanical elements connected by inductive coupling as contrasted to series or parallel connections. The mobility method as applied to mechanical wave filters has been discussed before (1). In connection with the high-pass filter, the impossibility of putting masses in series arises. By use of the technique given in the following, high-pass filters may be constructed without any difficulty and, also, all other types of filters may be obtained.
Camptograms for Beams in Compression
Authors: Rojansky V. , Beth R. A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Under the usual assumption that the square of the slope of the beam may be neglected compared to unity, the authors show that if the bending moment M is used as ordinate and a quantity proportional to dM/dx as abscissa, then the curve representing an axially compressed uniform beam carrying a uniformly distributed transverse load is a circular arc or a sequence of circular arcs. This result leads to a graphical method for evaluating bending moment. The procedure is illustrated by examples which include external torques, concentrated transverse loads, built-in ends, stepwise variation of distributed load, stepwise variation of flexural rigidity, and a protruding end. The diagrams, named “camptograms,” are simpler to draw and to interpret than the polar diagrams currently used for the same purpose. The construction of camptograms representing the slope and the deflection of the beam is outlined.
A New Fatigue Strength - Damping Criterion for the Design of Resonant Members
Authors: Marin Joseph , Stulen F. B. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the selection of materials for machine and structural parts subjected to vibrations it is common practice to consider the fatigue strength of materials. In some cases the damping constant of the material may be considered in a qualitative manner. A theoretical analysis is given in this paper to show that the load resistance of resonant members is a function not only of the fatigue strength but also of the damping constant and modulus of elasticity of the material. Test data on various materials are presented to show that the load resistance of a vibrating member may be appreciably changed by a correct selection of the material when this new design criterion is used. Fatigue strength - damping design criteria are presented in this paper for vibrating beams and plates subjected to both concentrated and distributed resonant forces. Results are given for both external and internal damping. The theory developed may be extended for other members where the possible condition of resonant vibrations may occur. Turbine blades, airplane propeller blades, and shafts of various kinds are applications where the design criteria presented herein may be found useful.
Proposed Experiments for Further Study of the Mechanism of Plastic Deformation
Authors: Koehler J. S. , Seitz F. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to propose new experiments in the field of the plastic deformation of solids. A qualitatively satisfactory theory is discussed and is then used to suggest worth-while experiments. This theory assumes that plastic deformation is a result of the formation and motion of certain crystalline imperfections called dislocations. The nature and behavior of these imperfections are discussed. The origin of these imperfections and the changes produced in them during deformation are considered. Certain new experiments are then proposed. It is suggested that all of these experiments be done using single crystals in an attempt to simplify the interpretation of the experiments: (a) It is suggested that the internal friction, the electrical resistance, and the rate of creep all be measured on the same spectroscopically pure metal single crystal. These three measurements should be made at various temperatures and should be done successively on crystals of various crystallographic orientations. (b) It is also suggested that stress-strain curves be obtained on fine single-crystal wires. In this connection it has been shown in glass fibers that the stress concentrations at the cracks can be reduced in very thin fibers. (c) It is proposed that the electrical resistance and the internal friction of an ordered alloy be measured while the single-crystal specimen is subjected to a very small plastic deformation. (d) An attempt will be made to suggest an experiment which would enable the observer to “see” the dislocations.
Sliding Friction of Ball Bearings of the Pivot Type
Authors: Poritsky H. , Hewlett C. W. , Coleman R. E. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
While ideal rotational surfaces of the pivot and the race of ball bearings can touch the spherical ball surfaces only at mathematical points, these surfaces actually “flatten” at the contact, due to elastic compression so that contact occurs over a finite area. It is shown in this paper that as a result of this flattening, owing to unavoidable small relative slipping over some of the contact areas, even the most precise and flawless ball bearings possess definite friction. This source of unavoidable friction is analyzed, and the frictional torque due to it is computed for an individual ball, for the whole bearing, and for both bearings holding a rotor or gimbal.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Treat Acute Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries: A Case Series
Authors: Roby Patricia R. , Lynall Robert C. , Cools Michael J. , Marshall Stephen W. , Fonseca Janna C. , Stevens James R. , Mihalik Jason P. 
Published: March 2021

We report on hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy used to improve postinjury outcomes in eight acutely concussed high school student-athletes (5 males, 3 females, mean age = 16.0 ± 1.2 years). Patients were randomly assigned into one of three intervention groups: (a) HBO2 therapy; (b) hyperbaric therapy with compressed medical-grade air (HBA); or (c) normobaric 100% O2 therapy. All patients completed five 1-hr treatments within the first 10 days following his or her concussion. Main outcome measures included mental status examination, symptom burden, and the number of days from injury until the physician permitted the student-athlete to return to activity. Patients receiving HBO2 treatment experienced the greatest absolute symptom reduction over the five treatment sessions. No meaningful differences were found in mental status examination. All participants returned to activity in a similar timeframe. HBO2 therapy may be an effective option for the acute treatment of postconcussion symptoms, particularly in young athletes presenting with a high symptom burden.
Biofilm-forming ability of poultry Campylobacter jejuni strains in the presence and absence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Scheik Letícia Klein , Volcan Maia Darla Silveira , Würfel Simone de Fátima Rauber , Ramires Tassiana , Kleinubing Natalie Rauber , Haubert Louise , Lopes Graciela Volz , da Silva Wladimir Padilha 
Published: March 2021

The aims of this study were to evaluate the ability of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from a poultry slaughterhouse to form biofilm in the presence and absence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the effect of surface (stainless steel, polystyrene), temperature (7, 25, and 42 °C), and oxygen concentration (microaerophilic and aerobic conditions) on the formation of biofilm. The genes ahpC, cadF, clpP, dnaJ, docA, flaA, flaB, katA, kpsM, luxS, racR, and sodB, related to biofilm formation by C. jejuni, were also investigated. All isolates formed biofilm on stainless steel and on polystyrene, in both aerobic and microaerophilic atmospheres, including temperatures not optimal for C. jejuni growth (7 and 25 °C), and biofilm also was formed in the presence of P. aeruginosa. In dual-species biofilm on stainless steel, biofilm formation was 2–6 log CFU·cm−2 higher at 7 °C for all isolates, in comparison with monospecies biofilm. Ten genes (ahpC, cadF, clpP, dnaJ, docA, flaA, flaB, luxS, racR, and sodB) were detected in all isolates, but katA and kpsM were found in four and six isolates, respectively. The results obtained are of concern because the poultry C. jejuni isolates form biofilm in different conditions, which is enhanced in the presence of other biofilm formers, such as P. aeruginosa.
Erythropoietin alters the pharmacokinetics of organic anions mainly eliminated by the kidney in rats
Authors: Severin María Julia , Hazelhoff María Herminia , Bulacio Romina Paula , Mamprin María Eugenia , Brandoni Anabel , Torres Adriana Mónica 
Published: March 2021

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a cytokine originally used for its effects on the hematopoietic system, and is widely prescribed around the world. In the present study, the effects of EPO administration on p-aminohippurate (PAH, a prototype organic anion) pharmacokinetics and on the renal expression of PAH transporters were evaluated. Male Wistar rats were treated with EPO or saline (control group). After 42 h, PAH was administered, and plasma samples were obtained at different time points to determine PAH levels. PAH levels in renal tissue and urine were also assessed. The renal expression of PAH transporters was evaluated by Western blotting. EPO-treated rats showed an increase in PAH systemic clearance, in its elimination rate constant, and in urinary PAH levels, while PAH in renal tissue was decreased. Moreover, EPO administration increased the expression of the transporters of the organic anions evaluated. The EPO-induced increase in PAH clearance is accounted for by the increase in its renal secretion mediated by the organic anion transporters. The goal of this study is to add important information to the wide knowledge gap that exists regarding drug–drug interactions. Owing to the global use of EPO, these results are useful in terms of translation into clinical practice.
Pro- and Antitumorigenic Capacity of Immunoproteasomes in Shaping the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Leister Hanna , Luu Maik , Staudenraus Daniel , Lopez Krol Aleksandra , Mollenkopf Hans-Joachim , Sharma Arjun , Schmerer Nils , Schulte Leon N. , Bertrams Wilhelm , Schmeck Bernd , Bosmann Markus , Steinhoff Ulrich , Visekruna Alexander 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Apart from the constitutive proteasome, the immunoproteasome that comprises the three proteolytic subunits LMP2, MECL-1, and LMP7 is expressed in most immune cells. In this study, we describe opposing roles for immunoproteasomes in regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). During chronic inflammation, immunoproteasomes modulated the expression of protumorigenic cytokines and chemokines and enhanced infiltration of innate immune cells, thus triggering the onset of colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) in wild-type mice. Consequently, immunoproteasome-deficient animals (LMP2/MECL-1/LMP7–null mice) were almost completely resistant to CAC development. In patients with ulcerative colitis with high risk for CAC, immunoproteasome-induced protumorigenic mediators were upregulated. In melanoma tumors, the role of immunoproteasomes is relatively unknown. We found that high expression of immunoproteasomes in human melanoma was associated with better prognosis. Similarly, our data revealed that the immunoproteasome has antitumorigenic activity in a mouse model of melanoma. The antitumor immunity against melanoma was compromised in immunoproteasome-deficient mice because of the impaired activity of CD8+ CTLs, CD4+ Th1 cells, and antigen-presenting cells. These findings show that immunoproteasomes may exert opposing roles with either pro- or antitumoral properties in a context-dependent manner.
Smooth Muscle Cell–Specific PKM2 (Pyruvate Kinase Muscle 2) Promotes Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switching and Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Jain Manish , Dhanesha Nirav , Doddapattar Prakash , Nayak Manasa K. , Guo Liang , Cornelissen Anne , Lentz Steven R. , Finn Aloke V. , Chauhan Anil K. 
Published: March 2021

Objective:
The role of glycolytic enzyme PKM2 (pyruvate kinase muscle 2) in smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype switching and neointimal hyperplasia is poorly understood. We determined the role of PKM2 in SMC phenotype switching and neointimal hyperplasia.

Approach and Results:

We show that PKM2 is expressed in the SMC-rich neointima of the murine carotid artery and peri-strut areas in bare-metal stented human coronary arteries. PDGF-BB (platelet-derived growth factor-BB) stimulation upregulates the expression of PKM2 in cultured murine and human coronary SMC. To provide conclusive evidence for PKM2 in SMC function, we generated SMC-specific PKM2
−/−
mutant strain. We report that PKM2 deletion in SMC reduces injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia by inhibiting SMC proliferation and migration, suppressing synthetic phenotype, and reducing aerobic glycolysis associated with decreased ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) signaling. Furthermore, we show that nuclear PKM2 interacts with STAT3 and β-catenin and regulates transcription of MEK5 (mitogen/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase-5), cyclin D1, GLUT1 (glucose transporter 1), and LDHA (lactate dehydrogenase A). Treatment of human coronary SMC with ML265, an activator that induces PKM2 tetramerization and blocks its nuclear translocation, inhibited proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching. Perivascular application of PKM2 activator reduced neointimal hyperplasia in mice.

Conclusions:
These findings reveal that PKM2 is a key regulator of SMC function in vascular remodeling and implicates PKM2 as a potential target to reduce neointimal hyperplasia.
Abstract P584: Sleep in Pediatric Stroke Study (SleePSS): Neuroimaging and Neurocognitive Correlates of Sleep Health in Pediatric Stroke
Authors: Slim Mahmoud , Westmacott Robyn , Mumin Anissa , NARANG INDRA , Weiss Shelly , Moharir Mahendranath d , Pulcine Liza , MacGregor Daune , DEVEBER Gabrielle A , Dlamini Nomazulu 
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
Pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is a serious cause of lifelong neurological and cognitive disabilities. Although they are at increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), children with AIS may have abnormal sleep indices even in the absence of OSA diagnosis. This can adversely affect their blood vessels health (impaired cerebrovascular reactivity, CVR) and can lead to neurocognitive impairments. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of cerebral blood vessels health with polysomnographic measures and cognitive function in children with AIS.

Hypothesis:
Quantitative measure of negative CVR, i.e. fractional negativity (fneg) and negative CVR correlate significantly with abnormal overnight oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in children with AIS, even in the absence of OSA.

Methods:
We conducted a single-centre cross-sectional study in children with AIS aged between 8 and 18 years old and who were not at risk of OSA (i.e., pediatric sleep questionnaire score<0.33). All children were evaluated using:

(1) Non-invasive Blood Oxygen Level Dependent magnetic resonance imaging to study CVR.
(2) An overnight polysomnography
(3) Comprehensive evaluation of intellectual abilities, attention and executive function.

Results:
Ten children with AIS (40% males; median age: 14.3 years) were included after a median of 8.8 years following stroke onset. None of the children was diagnosed with OSA. We found significant correlations between fneg and minimum oxygen saturation during REM sleep (r=0.81, r=0.68 and r=0.76 in grey matter, white matter and whole brain, respectively; p<0.05). The whole brain mean negative CVR correlated significantly with the visual spatial, fluid reasoning, and emotion regulation indices (r=-0.82, -0.8, and 0.75, respectively, p<0.05). Mean negative CVR in white matter correlated significantly with the indices of executive function (emotion regulation, cognitive regulation and global executive composite scores, r=0.72-0.76, p<0.05).

Conclusion:
Impaired CVR in children with AIS correlates with abnormal sleep indices even in the absence of OSA diagnosis. This can potentially result in cognitive difficulties, the majority of which remain not fully explained by stroke-related factors.