bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of gut microbiome in the outcome of cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Ma Junting , Zhu Wenwen , Liu Beixing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNearly 3 × 1013 types of bacteria colonize the human intestine. These colonized bacteria help in maintaining intestinal homeostasis by establishing a complex relationship with the intestinal epithelium and lymphoid tissue. Alteration in the composition of the intestinal microbiota is associated with susceptibility to various pathological conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, diabetes, inflammation and cancer. Of late, several researchers have focused on examining the effects of gut microbiota on the outcome of various cancer treatment protocols. Side effects and complications of traditional chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation are associated with intestinal dysbiosis. Gut microbiota affects the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor‐based immunotherapy. The gut is inhabited by diverse resident bacteria, of which, few enhance, while others inhibit the host response to immunotherapy. This review focuses on the correlation between intestinal microbiota and the outcome of tumor immunotherapy. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of gut microbiota on the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy have been reviewed. Further studies are needed for the identification of distinct gut microbiota and their efficacy in tumor immunotherapy as certain types of intestinal bacteria could function as novel adjuvant drugs to enhance the effectiveness of antitumor therapy in humans.
Early return to continence and potency with use of dehydrated human umbilical cord graft at the time of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: A case study and analysis of relevant literature
Authors: Krol Bridget C , Hemal Ashok K , Peak Taylor , Liu Shuo , Pathak Ram A 
Published: February 2021

IntroductionRobot‐assisted radical prostatectomy often causes damage to the neurovascular bundle which results in erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Recovery may take months; however, dehydrated umbilical cord allografts appear to offer an advantage in terms of a faster return to continence and potency.Case presentationA 67‐year‐old male, who presented with intermediate‐risk prostate cancer, underwent a bilateral nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy and placement of dehydrated human umbilical cord graft. Four weeks post‐prostatectomy, the patient reported minimal stress urinary incontinence and erections with 75% rigidity. Three months post‐prostatectomy, the patient noted improved continence and erections with 100% rigidity.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the second experience reported in the literature evaluating the use of umbilical cord allograft during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, with promising results, and it is the first reported case to analyze potency as an outcome.
Donor tolerability of convalescent plasma donation
Authors: He Rui , Lin Hui , Xie Songli , Lv Qilu , Kong Yujie , Li Ling , Xu Haixia , Wang Jue , Li Wenjuan , Fang Peng , Wu Yanyun , Liu Zhong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundSince early 2020, convalescent plasma has been widely used for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). There is limited information regarding donor tolerability of convalescent plasma donation. In this study, we evaluated the short‐term donor tolerability of convalescent plasma donation.MethodsA prospective study of 309 convalescent plasma donation related adverse events were conducted at Wuhan Blood Center of China, from February 12 to April 1, 2020. Additionally, up to 28‐day post‐donation follow‐ups were performed on the donors.ResultsSixteen (5.2%) adverse events were reported in 309 donations. All of these were mild vasovagal without loss of consciousness. The frequency of adverse reactions was higher in donors with a per donation volume of >8 mL/kg body weight or ≥ 600 mL, <100 mm Hg in pre‐donation systolic blood pressure, or less than 28 days from the onset of COVID‐19 symptoms. There was no correlation to donation history, weight, sex, ABO blood type, pre‐donation diastolic blood pressure, pulse, or hemoglobin.ConclusionThe donation of convalescent plasma is generally safe. Mitigation of risk factors associated with adverse events can further enhance donor tolerability of convalescent plasma donation.
Home‐Based Intervention to Test and Start (HITS): a community‐randomized controlled trial to increase HIV testing uptake among men in rural South Africa
Authors: Tanser Frank C , Kim Hae‐Young , Mathenjwa Thulile , Shahmanesh Maryam , Seeley Janet , Matthews Phillippa , Wyke Sally , McGrath Nuala , Adeagbo Oluwafemi , Sartorius Benn , Yapa Handurugamage Manisha , Zuma Thembelihle , Zeitlin Anya , Blandford Ann , Dobra Adrian , Bärnighausen Till 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe uptake of HIV testing and linkage to care remains low among men, contributing to high HIV incidence in women in South Africa. We conducted the “Home‐Based Intervention to Test and Start” (HITS) in a 2x2 factorial cluster randomized controlled trial in one of the World’s largest ongoing HIV cohorts in rural South Africa aimed at enhancing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for HIV testing.MethodsBetween February and December 2018, in the uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu‐Natal, we randomly assigned 45 communities (clusters) (n = 13,838 residents) to one of the four arms: (i) financial incentives for home‐based HIV testing and linkage to care (R50 [$3] food voucher each); (ii) male‐targeted HIV‐specific decision support application, called EPIC‐HIV; (iii) both financial incentives and male‐targeted HIV‐specific decision support application and (iv) standard of care (SoC). EPIC‐HIV was developed to encourage and serve as an intrinsic motivator for HIV testing and linkage to care, and individually offered to men via a tablet device. Financial incentives were offered to both men and women. Here we report the effect of the interventions on uptake of home‐based HIV testing among men. Intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis was performed using modified Poisson regression with adjustment for clustering of standard errors at the cluster levels.ResultsAmong all 13,838 men ≥ 15 years living in the 45 communities, the overall population coverage during a single round of home‐based HIV testing was 20.7%. The uptake of HIV testing was 27.5% (683/2481) in the financial incentives arm, 17.1% (433/2534) in the EPIC‐HIV arm, 26.8% (568/2120) in the arm receiving both interventions and 17.8% in the SoC arm. The probability of HIV testing increased substantially by 55% in the financial incentives arm (risk ratio (RR)=1.55, 95% CI: 1.31 to 1.82, p < 0.001) and 51% in the arm receiving both interventions (RR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.87 p < 0.001), compared to men in the SoC arm. The probability of HIV testing did not significantly differ in the EPIC‐HIV arm (RR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.20, p = 0.70).ConclusionsThe provision of a small financial incentive acted as a powerful extrinsic motivator substantially increasing the uptake of home‐based HIV testing among men in rural South Africa. In contrast, the counselling and testing application which was designed to encourage and serve as an intrinsic motivator to test for HIV did not increase the uptake of home‐based testing.
Clinical performance of the Panbio assay for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 IgM and IgG in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Haguet Hélène , Douxfils Jonathan , Eucher Christine , Elsen Marc , Cadrobbi Julie , Tré‐Hardy Marie , Dogné Jean‐Michel , Favresse Julien 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFollowing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, numerous serological tests have been developed, including rapid diagnostic tests. This study aims at assessing the clinical performance of the Panbio immunoglobulin G (IgG)/IgM coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) test (Abbott), a rapid lateral flow assay for the qualitative detection of IgG and IgM against SARS‐CoV‐2. One hundred and thirty‐eight samples from 95 COVID‐19 patients with a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were analyzed to assess the clinical sensitivity. Seventy‐six pre‐COVID‐19 samples were used to evaluate the clinical specificity. Two independent and blinded raters determined visually the presence or absence of the IgG, IgM, and control lines for each test after 10 and 20 min. The sensitivity obtained from collected samples more than 14 days after the onset of symptoms was 95.2% for IgG. IgM was less frequently detected (highest sensitivity of 20.5%). The specificities obtained were 98.7% and 100% for IgG and IgM, respectively. In addition, the sensitivity of the assay was better when the reading was performed at 20 min than at 10 min, whereas the specificity was unchanged. The Panbio COVID‐19 IgG/IgM rapid test detects IgG with high sensitivity 14 days since symptom onset but presents a low sensitivity for IgM. The specificity was excellent for both IgG and IgM.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) seroconversion in hematology–oncology patients
Authors: Bird Paul W. , Badhwar Vinay , Kennedy Ben , Ladani Sapna , Tang Julian W.‐T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSince the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in China at the end of 2019, the virus has spread rapidly across the globe leading to millions of infections and subsequent deaths. Although the virus infects those exposed indiscriminately, there are groups in society at an increased risk of severe infection, leading to increased morbidity. Patients suffering from hematological cancers, particularly leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, may be one such group and previous studies have suggested that they may be at a three to four times greater risk of severe COVID‐19 after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, leading to admissions to ICU, mechanical ventilation, and death compared to those without such malignancies. Serological testing for IgG seroconversion has been extensively studied in the immunocompetent, but fewer publications have characterized this process in large series of immunocompromised patients. This study described 20 patients with hematological cancers who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 via PCR with 12 of the patients receiving further serological testing. We found that of the 12 patients screened for SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies, only 2 (16.6%) were able to generate an immune response to the infection. Yet despite this low seroconversion rate in this cohort, none of these patients died or became particularly unwell with COVID‐19 or its related complications.
Evaluation of different internal diameter coated modulation columns within the context of solid‐state modulation
Authors: Giocastro Barbara , Zoccali Mariosimone , Tranchida Peter Q. , Mondello Luigi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe solid‐state‐modulator is a consumable‐free thermal modulator, used within the context of comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography. Its consumable‐free nature is guaranteed by the presence of a thermal‐electric cooler device located between two heated chambers, everything located outside the gas chrpmatograph oven. The aim of the present research is to evaluate the solid‐state‐modulator modulation performance in relationship to different modulation capillary geometries. For this purpose, two coated modulation capillaries with the same length, but with different internal diameters (0.25 and 0.18 mm) were used. The effects of gas linear velocity, modulator temperature, and modulation period were evaluated in several applications involving standard alkanes and a sample of diesel fuel. Fundamental gas chromatography parameters (peaks widths, resolution) were measured under the different experimental conditions. Detailed information is provided on gas flow optimization, with particular emphasis on the efficiency of chromatography band reinjection onto the second‐dimension column. The results obtained from the present investigation highlight how the modulation capillary characteristics have a great impact on the overall comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography separation. Specifically, considering the results herein attained, the use of a 0.18 mm ID × 0.18 μm df modulation column is advisable compared to a 0.25 mm ID × 0.25 μm df one.
Systematic review of pharmacokinetics and potential pharmacokinetic interactions of flavonolignans from silymarin
Authors: Tvrdý Václav , Pourová Jana , Jirkovský Eduard , Křen Vladimír , Valentová Kateřina , Mladěnka Přemysl 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSilymarin is an extract from the seeds (fruits) of Silybum marianum that contains flavonolignans and flavonoids. Although it is frequently used as a hepatoprotective agent, its application remains somewhat debatable, in particular, due to the low oral bioavailability of flavonolignans. Moreover, there are claims of its potential interactions with concomitantly used drugs. This review aims at a systematic summary and critical assessment of known information on the pharmacokinetics of particular silymarin flavonolignans. There are two known major reasons for poor systemic oral bioavailability of flavonolignans: (1) rapid conjugation in intestinal cells or the liver and (2) efflux of parent flavonolignans or formed conjugates back to the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract by intestinal cells and rapid excretion by the liver into the bile. The metabolism of phase I appears to play a minor role, in contrast to extensive conjugation and indeed the unconjugated flavonolignans reach low plasma levels after common doses. Only about 1%–5% of the administered dose is eliminated by the kidneys. Many in vitro studies tested the inhibitory potential of silymarin and its components toward different enzymes and transporters involved in the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of xenobiotics. In most cases, effective concentrations are too high to be relevant under real biological conditions. Most human studies showed no silymarin–drug interactions explainable by these suggested interferences. More interactions were found in animal studies, likely due to the much higher doses administered.
Mapping of microvascular architecture in the brain of an Alzheimer's disease mouse model using MRI
Authors: Chang Suk‐Ki , Kim JeongYeong , Lee DongKyu , Yoo Chang Hyun , Jin Seokha , Rhee Hak Young , Ryu Chang‐Woo , Lee Jong Kil , Cho HyungJoon , Jahng Geon‐Ho 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests that alterations in cerebral microvasculature play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the cerebral microvascular architecture of AD transgenic (Tg) mice and compare it with that of non‐Tg mice using brain microvascular indices obtained by MRI. Seven non‐Tg mice and 10 5xFAD Tg mice were scanned using a 7‐T animal MRI system to measure the transverse relaxation rates of R2 and R2* before and after the injection of the monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticle contrast agent. After calculating ΔR2* and ΔR2, the vessel size index (VSI), mean vessel diameter (mVD), mean vessel density, mean vessel‐weighted image (MvWI) and blood volume fraction (BVf) were mapped. Voxel‐based analyses and region of interest (ROI)‐based analyses were performed to compare the indices of the non‐Tg and Tg groups. Voxel comparisons showed that BVf, mVD, VSI and MvWI were greater in the Tg group than in the non‐Tg group. Additionally, the ROI‐based analysis showed that ΔR2*, BVf, mVD, MvWI and VSI increased in several brain regions of the Tg group compared with those in the non‐Tg group. VSI and mVD increased in Tg mice; these findings indicated microvascular disruption in the brain that could be related to damage to the neurovascular unit in AD caused by cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Home‐based multimodal exercise program in older people with Alzheimer disease: Randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Cezar Natália Oiring de Castro , Ansai Juliana Hotta , de Andrade Larissa Pires 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAt‐home physical exercise may be an important intervention strategy for older people with Alzheimer disease (AD) due to the greater adherence and ease for the caregivers.PurposeDetermine the effects home‐based multimodal exercise program in older people with AD on muscle strength, balance, functioning, cognition, dual task performance, frailty, and physical activity level.MethodsThis is a trial with 40 older people with mild and moderate AD, randomized into intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). The participants will be evaluated by blinded examiners at baseline and after 16 weeks of training. The evaluations will investigate functioning (Timed Up and Go test, Direct Assessment of Functional Status, WHO Disability Assessment Schedule, Short Physical Performance Battery, and Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire), muscle strength (manual dynamometer and Sit‐to‐Stand test), frailty (FRAIL Scale and Edmonton Frail Scale), cognition (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination, Trail Making Test, Walking Trail‐Making Test, and Frontal Assessment Battery), balance (force platform, Figure‐of‐Eight Walking Test, Functional Reach Test, Alternate Step Test, and Calf‐Raise Senior), dual task (force platform), and physical activity level (Modified Baecke Questionnaire and Life‐Space Assessment). The IG will perform 16 weeks of exercise at home that involve functioning, strength, balance, and aerobic endurance in 60‐min sessions three times a week. The CG will not undergo any intervention.ConclusionImprovements in the aspects evaluated are expected in the IG compared to CG. The protocol will provide a theoretical basis for the creation of clinical interventions and health promotion measures for older people with AD.
First‐principles studies on structure stability, segregation, and work function of Mg doped with metal elements
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Jianfeng , Ma Di , Zhu Shijie , Wang Liguo , Guan Shaokang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe first‐principles methods based on the density functional theory were employed to study the structural stability, segregation and work function of Mg doped with 14 metal elements existing in human body. The calculated results show that there is a simple correlation between structural stability and segregation. Doping of Sn, Y, Li, Gd, Nd, Sc, and Zn atoms produce a negative formation energy as well as a positive segregation energy. This suggests that these elements easier to be dissolved in Mg matrix do not tend to segregate on the Mg (0001) surface. An opposite trend was observed for Ba, Fe, Mn, W, Sr, and Ca. On the other hand, the electronic work function of Mg (0001) surface was increased significantly when doping Mo, W, Fe, and Mn, and was reduced markedly for Ba, Ca, and Sr. For Li, Sn, Sc, Gd, and Y, the doping of these elements on Mg surface generates a relatively small change in work function. In addition, the relationships of corrosion behavior to segregation and work function were discussed. This study may provide an avenue for seeking a more appropriate alloying element of Mg alloys with improved corrosion resistance in biomedical applications.
Ni/Mo Bimetallic‐Oxide‐Derived Heterointerface‐Rich Sulfide Nanosheets with Co‐Doping for Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution by Boosting Volmer Reaction
Authors: Zhang Liyang , Zheng Yujie , Wang Jiacheng , Geng Yang , Zhang Ben , He Junjie , Xue Junmin , Frauenheim Thomas , Li Meng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMolybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a promising alternative to Pt‐based catalysts for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an acidic environment. However, alkaline HER activity for molybdenum disulfide is limited by its slow water dissociation kinetics. Interface engineering is an effective strategy for the design of alkaline HER catalysts. However, the restricted heterointerfaces of current catalysts have significantly limited their alkaline HER performance. Herein, a novel assembly of cobalt‐doped interface‐ and defect‐rich MoS2/Ni3S2 hetero‐nanosheet anchoring on hierarchical carbon framework for alkaline HER is reported by directly vulcanizing NiMoO4 nanosheets. In the heterostructure nanosheet, Ni3S2 acts as a water dissociation promoter and MoS2 acts as a hydrogen acceptor. Density functional theory calculations find that redistribution of charges at the heterointerface can reduce hydrogen adsorption Gibbs free energy (∆GH*) and water decomposition energy barrier. The resulting hierarchical electrode with the synergistic effect of both hybrid components shows a low overpotential of 89 mV at −10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH, a Tafel slope as low as 62 mV dec−1, and can run at −100 mA cm−2 for at least 50 h without obvious voltage change. This study provides a potentially feasible strategy for the design of heterostructure‐based electrocatalysts with abundant active interfaces.
P3/O3 Integrated Layered Oxide as High‐Power and Long‐Life Cathode toward Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Si‐Yuan , Guo Yu‐Jie , Zhou Ya‐Nan , Zhang Xu‐Dong , Niu Yu‐Bin , Wang En‐Hui , Huang Lin‐Bo , An Peng‐Fei , Zhang Jing , Yang Xin‐An , Yin Ya‐Xia , Xu Sailong , Guo Yu‐Guo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLow‐cost and stable sodium‐layered oxides (such as P2‐ and O3‐phases) are suggested as highly promising cathode materials for Na‐ion batteries (NIBs). Biphasic hybridization, mainly involving P2/O3 and P2/P3 biphases, is typically used to boost their electrochemical performances. Herein, a P3/O3 intergrown layered oxide (Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/3Ti1/3O2) as high‐rate and long‐life cathode for NIBs via tuning the amounts of Ti substitution in Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3−xTixO2 (x = 0, 1/6, 1/3, 2/3) is demonstrated. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) Rietveld refinement and aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy show the co‐existence of P3 and O3 phases, and density functional theory calculation corroborates the appearance of the anomalous O3 phase at the Ti substitution amount of 1/3. The P3/O3 biphasic cathode delivers an unexpected rate capability (≈88.7% of the initial capacity at a high rate of 5 C) and cycling stability (≈68.7% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 1 C), superior to those of the sing phases P3‐Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2, P3‐Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/2Ti1/6O2, and O3‐Na2/3Ni1/3Ti2/3O2. The highly reversible structural evolution of the P3/O3 integrated cathode observed by ex situ XRD, ex situ X‐ray absorption spectra, and the rapid Na+ diffusion kinetics, underpin the enhancement. These results show the important role of P3/O3 biphasic hybridization in designing and engineering layered oxide cathodes for NIBs.