bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quadratus lumborum block in management of severe pain after uterine artery embolization
Authors: Ben‐David B. , Kaligozhin Z. , Viderman D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground and objectivesThe quadratus lumborum (QL) block has been widely used for acute postoperative pain management after numerous surgical procedures including urological, abdominal, gynaecological and orthopaedic surgical procedures. The local anaesthetic spread in this area can provide unilateral sensory block in T6‐L2 dermatomes. We performed bilateral quadratus lumborum block for the management of acute pain after the uterine artery embolization (UAE).MethodsA 43‐year‐old woman was admitted to the gynaecology department of Mother and Child Hospital, University Medical Center, for uterine artery embolization. Shortly, after successful completion of the UAE procedure, the patient began to complain of severe pain in the lower abdomen rated as a 9 on a verbal analogue scale (VAS) of 0–10. Intravenous tramadol 100 mg was infused over 30 min with minimal reduction in pain. Trimeperidine 20 mg was then infused over 30 min. Pain scores, however, remained 7–8/10 on the VAS. It was therefore decided to place a bilateral single‐shot ultrasound‐guided quadratus lumborum block.ResultsThe procedure was well tolerated and brought notable pain relief. VAS declined from 8/10 to 5/10 after 30 min and to 3/10 at 60 min. Over the ensuing 24 h, VAS pain intensity remained 2–3/10. No further analgesics were necessary.ConclusionA randomized control clinical trial is warranted to assess the efficacy of QL blockade and to compare it with other analgesic options in uterine artery embolization. Bilateral quadratus lumborum blockade may be an excellent pain control option after uterine artery embolization.SignificanceUterine artery embolization is associated with significant postprocedural pain which can prove difficult to manage with opioids. Bilateral quadratus lumborum block may be an excellent pain control option ‐ one that might significantly reduce not only pain, but also the need for opioids and perhaps even the need for hospitalization.
Fluoride Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Poly(Styrene Sulfonate)/Nanoalumina Multilayer Thin Films
Authors: Prathna Thanjavur Chandrasekaran , Raichur Ashok M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn the present study, fluoride removal from drinking water is investigated using layer‐by‐layer (LbL) fabricated poly(sodium 4‐styrene‐sulfonate) (PSS)/Al2O3 thin films. The surface morphology of the fabricated thin films is characterized using atomic force microscopy and field emission‐scanning electron microscopy. Optical profilometry is used to determine the self‐assembly of the multilayer thin films. The effect of various parameters such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial fluoride content, number of bilayers, surface area, and pH is thoroughly studied. Fluoride removal increases with the number of bilayers and number of slides (total surface area). The amount of fluoride adsorbed increases from 11.32 to 26 mg L−1 when the number of substrates increases from 1 to 5. A 68% removal of fluoride is observed when 20 bilayers of PSS/Al2O3 thin films with three slides at an initial fluoride concentration of 5 mg L−1 are used, thereby bringing down the fluoride concentration level below the World Health Organization permissible limit. Slide reusability studies reveal that the fabricated thin films can be used for ten cycles without affecting the fluoride removal properties of the film. This study demonstrates the potential application of immobilized PSS/Al2O3 thin films as an effective adsorbent for drinking water purification.
Increased non‐AIDS mortality among persons with AIDS‐defining events after antiretroviral therapy initiation
Authors: Pettit April C , Giganti Mark J , Ingle Suzanne M , May Margaret T , Shepherd Bryan E , Gill Michael J , Fätkenheuer Gerd , Abgrall Sophie , Saag Michael S , Del Amo Julia , Justice Amy C , Miro Jose M , Cavasinni Matthias , Dabis François , Monforte Antonella D , Reiss Peter , Guest Jodie , Moore David , Shepherd Leah , Obel Niels , Crane Heidi M , Smith Colette , Teira Ramon , Zangerle Robert , Sterne Jonathan AC , Sterling Timothy R ,   for the Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration (ART‐CC) investigators
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionHIV‐1 infection leads to chronic inflammation and to an increased risk of non‐AIDS mortality. Our objective was to determine whether AIDS‐defining events (ADEs) were associated with increased overall and cause‐specific non‐AIDS related mortality after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation.MethodsWe included HIV treatment‐naïve adults from the Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration (ART‐CC) who initiated ART from 1996 to 2014. Causes of death were assigned using the Coding Causes of Death in HIV (CoDe) protocol. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for overall and cause‐specific non‐AIDS mortality among those with an ADE (all ADEs, tuberculosis (TB), Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP), and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)) compared to those without an ADE was estimated using a marginal structural model.ResultsThe adjusted hazard of overall non‐AIDS mortality was higher among those with any ADE compared to those without any ADE (aHR 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.00 to 2.43). The adjusted hazard of each of the cause‐specific non‐AIDS related deaths were higher among those with any ADE compared to those without, except metabolic deaths (malignancy aHR 2.59 (95% CI 2.13 to 3.14), accident/suicide/overdose aHR 1.37 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.79), cardiovascular aHR 1.95 (95% CI 1.54 to 2.48), infection aHR (95% CI 1.68 to 2.81), hepatic aHR 2.09 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.72), respiratory aHR 4.28 (95% CI 2.67 to 6.88), renal aHR 5.81 (95% CI 2.69 to 12.56) and central nervous aHR 1.53 (95% CI 1.18 to 5.44)). The risk of overall and cause‐specific non‐AIDS mortality differed depending on the specific ADE of interest (TB, PJP, NHL).ConclusionsIn this large multi‐centre cohort collaboration with standardized assignment of causes of death, non‐AIDS mortality was twice as high among patients with an ADE compared to without an ADE. However, non‐AIDS related mortality after an ADE depended on the ADE of interest. Although there may be unmeasured confounders, these findings suggest that a common pathway may be independently driving both ADEs and NADE mortality. While prevention of ADEs may reduce subsequent death due to NADEs following ART initiation, modification of risk factors for NADE mortality remains important after ADE survival.
Factors associated with perceived accuracy of the Undetectable = Untransmittable slogan among men who have sex with men: Implications for messaging scale‐up and implementation
Authors: Rendina H Jonathon , Parsons Jeffrey T 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionRecent research has shown high efficacy of HIV treatment for reducing the risk of HIV transmission to sexual partners. As the efficacy of treatment as prevention (TasP) has proliferated, a new messaging campaign, Undetectable = Untransmittable, has been gaining popularity. The purpose of this paper was to assess factors associated with the perceived accuracy of this TasP messaging strategy among a large and diverse sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in order to inform subsequent efforts at large‐scale and implementation of the HIV prevention message.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide survey of GBMSM in the U.S. recruited from an online social networking site and a mobile sexual networking app. We analysed data from 12,222 GBMSM separately by HIV status to examine sociodemographic and behavioural factors associated with ratings of the accuracy of the Undetectable = Untransmittable message, which included the option to indicate not understanding what “undetectable” meant.ResultsAmong HIV‐negative and unknown men, multivariable linear regression indicated that being on pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), identifying as gay or queer (versus bisexual or straight), recent serodiscordant condomless anal sex (CAS), testing every six months or more often, less concern about sexually transmitted infection (STI) infection, and lower perceived risk of HIV infection were the factors with the largest independent effect on rating the Undetectable = Untransmittable statement as more accurate. Fewer factors emerged as associated with accuracy ratings among HIV‐positive participants—reporting an undetectable viral load, a lifetime acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) diagnosis, and lower concern about STI infection were the factors most strongly associated with rating the statement as more accurate.ConclusionsThe findings of the current study highlight variability in the perceived accuracy of the Undetectable = Untransmittable message, suggesting potential subgroups who might benefit from targeted educational campaigns, perhaps broadcast utilizing sexual networking apps. Numerous factors, particularly among HIV‐negative and unknown GBMSM, were associated with rating the message as more accurate. In particular, being on PrEP and testing regularly were two of the variables most strongly associated with higher accuracy ratings among HIV‐negative GBMSM, suggesting HIV prevention services as potential points of intervention for increasing HIV knowledge and decreasing HIV stigma.
Monocyte subsets exhibit transcriptional plasticity and a shared response to interferon in SIV-infected rhesus macaques
Authors: Nowlin Brian T , Wang John , Schafer Jamie L , Autissier Patrick , Burdo Tricia H , Williams Kenneth C 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The progression to AIDS is influenced by changes in the biology of heterogeneous monocyte subsets. Classical (CD14++CD16–), intermediate (CD14++CD16+), and nonclassical (CD14+CD16++) monocytes may represent progressive stages of monocyte maturation or disparate myeloid lineages with different turnover rates and function. To investigate the relationship between monocyte subsets and the response to SIV infection, we performed microarray analysis of monocyte subsets in rhesus macaques at three time points: prior to SIV infection, 26 days postinfection, and necropsy with AIDS. Genes with a 2-fold change between monocyte subsets (2023 genes) or infection time points (424 genes) were selected. We identify 172 genes differentially expressed among monocyte subsets in both uninfected and SIV-infected animals. Classical monocytes express genes associated with inflammatory responses and cell proliferation. Nonclassical monocytes express genes associated with activation, immune effector functions, and cell cycle inhibition. The classical and intermediate subsets are most similar at all time points, and transcriptional similarity between intermediate and nonclassical monocytes increases with AIDS. Cytosolic sensors of nucleic acids, restriction factors, and IFN-stimulated genes are induced in all three subsets with AIDS. We conclude that SIV infection alters the transcriptional relationship between monocyte subsets and that the innate immune response to SIV infection is conserved across monocyte subsets.
TLR8 ligation induces apoptosis of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells
Authors: Dang Yushe , Rutnam Zina J , Dietsch Gregory , Lu Hailing , Yang Yi , Hershberg Robert , Disis Mary L 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulate in tumors and the peripheral blood of cancer patients and demonstrate cancer-promoting activity across multiple tumor types. A limited number of agents are known to impact MDSC activity. TLR8 is expressed in myeloid cells. We investigated expression of TLR8 on MDSC and the effect of a TLR8 agonist, motolimod, on MDSC survival and function. TLR8 was highly expressed in monocytic MDSC (mMDSC) but absent in granulocytic MDSC (gMDSC). Treatment of human PBMC with motolimod reduced the levels of mMDSC in volunteers and cancer donors versus control (P &lt; 0.001). Motolimod did not impact levels of gMDSC. The reduction of mMDSC was due to induced cell death by TLR8 ligation. Pretreatment of PBMC with a FAS neutralizing antibody inhibited motolimod-induced reduction of mMDSC (P &lt; 0.001). Finally, we demonstrated that mMDSC impeded IL-2 secretion by CD3/CD28-activated T cells; IL-2 secretion was partially restored when cells were cocultured with motolimod (142 ± 36 pg/ml vs. 59 ± 13 pg/ml; P = 0.03). There is increasing evidence that MDSCs contribute to the progression of cancer by inhibiting tumor-directed T cells. TLR8 agonists may synergize with cancer immunotherapeutic approaches to enhance the antitumor effects of the adaptive immune response.
Identification and quantification of VOCs by proton transfer reaction time of flight mass spectrometry: An experimental workflow for the optimization of specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy
Authors: Romano Andrea , Hanna George B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractProton transfer reaction time of flight mass spectrometry (PTR‐ToF‐MS) is a direct injection MS technique, allowing for the sensitive and real‐time detection, identification, and quantification of volatile organic compounds. When aiming to employ PTR‐ToF‐MS for targeted volatile organic compound analysis, some methodological questions must be addressed, such as the need to correctly identify product ions, or evaluating the quantitation accuracy. This work proposes a workflow for PTR‐ToF‐MS method development, addressing the main issues affecting the reliable identification and quantification of target compounds. We determined the fragmentation patterns of 13 selected compounds (aldehydes, fatty acids, phenols). Experiments were conducted under breath‐relevant conditions (100% humid air), and within an extended range of reduced electric field values (E/N = 48–144 Td), obtained by changing drift tube voltage. Reactivity was inspected using H3O+, NO+, and O2+ as primary ions. The results show that a relatively low (<90 Td) E/N often permits to reduce fragmentation enhancing sensitivity and identification capabilities, particularly in the case of aldehydes using NO+, where a 4‐fold increase in sensitivity is obtained by means of drift voltage reduction. We developed a novel calibration methodology, relying on diffusion tubes used as gravimetric standards. For each of the tested compounds, it was possible to define suitable conditions whereby experimental error, defined as difference between gravimetric measurements and calculated concentrations, was 8% or lower.
Blenderized Enteral Nutrition Diet Study: Feasibility, Clinical, and Microbiome Outcomes of Providing Blenderized Feeds Through a Gastric Tube in a Medically Complex Pediatric Population
Authors: Gallagher Kelsey , Flint Annika , Mouzaki Marialena , Carpenter Andrea , Haliburton Beth , Bannister Louise , Norgrove Holly , Hoffman Lisa , Mack David , Stintzi Alain , Marcon Margaret 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundChronically ill children often require feeding via gastrostomy tubes (G‐tubes). Commercial formula is most commonly used for enteral feeding; however, caregivers have been requesting blenderized tube feeds (BTFs) as an alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using BTFs in a medically complex pediatric population and assess their impact on clinical outcomes, as well as the microbiota.MethodsTwenty pediatric participants were included. Participants were G‐tube dependent and receiving ≥75% of their daily energy requirements from commercial formula. Over 4 weeks, participants were transitioned from commercial formula to BTF and were monitored for 6 months for changes in nutrient intake, gastrointestinal symptoms, oral feeding, medication use, and caregiver perceptions. Changes to intestinal microbiota were monitored by 16S rDNA‐based sequencing.ResultsTransition onto BTF was feasible in 17 participants, and 1 participant transitioned to oral feeds. Participants required 50% more calories to maintain their body mass index while on BTFs compared with commercial formula. BTF micronutrient content was superior to commercial formula. Prevalence of vomiting and use of acid‐suppressive agents significantly decreased on BTFs. Stool consistency and frequency remained unchanged, while stool softener use increased. The bacterial diversity and richness in stool samples significantly increased, while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria decreased. Caregivers were more satisfied with BTFs and unanimously indicated they would recommend BTFs.ConclusionInitiation and maintenance of BTFs is not only feasible in a medically complex pediatric population but can also be associated with improved clinical outcomes and increased intestinal bacterial diversity.
Longitudinal Profiles of Metabolism and Bioenergetics Associated with Innate Immune Hormonal Inflammatory Responses and Amino‐Acid Kinetics in Severe Sepsis and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome in Children
Authors: Spanaki Anna Maria , Tavladaki Theonymfi , Dimitriou Helen , Kozlov Andrey V. , Duvigneau J. Catharina , Meleti Eftychia , Weidinger Adelheid , Papakonstantinou Evangelos , Briassoulis George 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundExperimental data indicate that sepsis influences the mitochondrial function and metabolism. We aim to investigate longitudinal bioenergetic, metabolic, hormonal, amino‐acid, and innate immunity changes in children with sepsis.MethodsSixty‐eight children (sepsis, 18; systemic inflammatory response syndrome [SIRS], 23; healthy controls, 27) were enrolled. Plasma amino acids were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); flow‐cytometry expressed as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of heat shock protein (HSP) levels from monocytes (m) and neutrophils (n); resistin, adiponectin, and extracellular (e) HSPs evaluated by ELISA; ATP levels in white blood cells by luciferase luminescent assay; lipid peroxidation products (TBARS) by colorimetric test; nitrite and nitrate levels by chemiluminescent assay; biliverdin reductase (BVR) activity by enzymatic assay; and energy‐expenditure (EE) by E‐COVX.ResultsResistin, eHSP72, eHSP90α, and nitrate were longitudinally higher in sepsis compared with SIRS (p<0.05); mHSP72, nHSP72, VO2, VCO2, EE, and metabolic pattern were repressed in sepsis compared with SIRS (p<0.05). Septic patients had lower ATP and TBARS compared with controls on day 1, lower ATP compared with SIRS on day 3 (p<0.05), but higher levels of BVR activity. Sepsis exhibited higher phenylalanine levels on day 1, serine on day 3; lower glutamine concentrations on days 3 and 5 (p<0.05). Resistin, inversely related to ATP, was independently associated with sepsis, along with mHSP72 and eHSP90α (p<0.05); TBARS and VO2 were independently associated with organ failure (p<0.05)). Septic nonsurvivors had malnutrition, persistently repressed metabolism, mHSP72, and induced resistin and adiponectin (p<0.05).ConclusionsA pattern of early longitudinal induction of metabolic‐hormones and eHSP72/HSP90α, repression of bioenergetics and innate immunity, hypo‐metabolism, and amino‐acid kinetics changes discriminate sepsis from SIRS; malnutrition, hypo‐metabolism, and persistently increased resistin and adiponectin are associated with poor outcome.
Kinetic Studies of Oxidative Addition Reaction of Arylplatinum(II) Complex Containing 4,4′‐Bipyridine and Calculation of Activation Parameters
Authors: Shafaatian Bita , Ghaedrahmat Hadis 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTNew complexes of arylplatinum(II) and arylplatinum(IV) containing a bridging ligand, 4,4′‐bipyridine, were synthesized by the reaction of starting material of platinum(II) including para‐tolyl groups,[(p‐MeC6H4)2Pt(SMe2)2], with the 4,4′‐bipyridine ligand in 1:1 molar stoichiometry. In the synthesized complexes, the ligand was bonded to the platinum center through the nitrogen donor atoms. To investigate the kinetic reaction of the platinum(II) complex with iodomethane (CH3‐I) as a reagent, the oxidative addition reaction of this reagent with Pt(II) was performed in dichloromethane and a Pt(IV) complex with the octahedral geometry was formed. The synthesized complexes have been characterized by different spectroscopic methods such as FT‐IR, 1H NMR, UV–vis, and elemental analysis. Moreover, the conductivity measurements showed nonelectrolyte characteristics for these complexes. The obtained data showed that the complexes have 1:1 metal‐to‐ligand molar ratio. Also, the oxidative addition reaction of CH3I with the arylplatinum(II) complex at different temperatures was used for obtaining kinetic parameters such as rate constants, activation energy, entropy, and enthalpy of activation using the Microsoft Excel solver. From the acquired data, an SN2 mechanism was suggested for the oxidative addition reaction.
Influence of squeezing and interface slippage on the performance of water‐lubricated tilting‐pad thrust bearing during start‐up and shutdown
Authors: Wang Zhanchao , Liu Ying , Wang Yuechang , Liu Xiangfeng , Wang Yuming 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe film thickness varied because of the swing of the tilting‐pad thrust bearing, which introduced the squeezing effect in the start‐up and shutdown periods. The interface slippage might occur between the water and the pad surface, because of the effects of water polarity and surface energy of the material. To study the performance of the water‐lubrication tilting‐pad thrust bearing during start‐up and shutdown, a transient model considering the effects of squeezing and interface slippage was established. The effects of squeezing and interface slippage on film‐thickness distribution, nondimensional minimum film thickness, circumferential angle, and friction torque were studied. The theoretical friction torque was consistent with the experimental result quite well. The result demonstrated that the effect of squeezing was higher in the opening process than in the closing process; the interface slippage effect influenced the start‐up and shutdown significantly, blocking the formation of the water film. The friction torque of the bearings increased if the interface slippage existed, because the solid contact friction‐force increase was higher than the fluid shear‐force decrease in the mixed lubrication. When both effects worked simultaneously, the interface slippage dominated in the start‐up period. During the shutdown situation, as the rotational speed sustained a loss, the interface slippage was abated, where the influence of the squeezing effect dominated gradually.