bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet‐rich plasma and cytokines in neuropathic pain: A narrative review and a clinical perspective
Authors: Bohren Yohann , Timbolschi Daniel Ionut , Muller André , Barrot Michel , Yalcin Ipek , Salvat Eric 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveNeuropathic pain arises as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system. A number of preclinical studies have provided evidence for the involvement of cytokines, predominantly secreted by a variety of immune cells and by glial cells from the nervous system, in neuropathic pain conditions. Clinical trials and the use of anti‐cytokine drugs in different neuropathic aetiologies support the relevance of cytokines as treatment targets. However, the use of such drugs, in particularly biotherapies, can provoke notable adverse effects. Moreover, it is challenging to select one given cytokine as a target, among the various neuropathic pain conditions. It could thus be of interest to target other proteins, such as growth factors, in order to act more widely on the neuroinflammation network. Thus, platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), an autologous blood concentrate, is known to contain a natural concentration of growth factors and immune system messengers and is widely used in the clinical setting for tissue regeneration and repair.Database and Data TreatmentIn the present review, we critically assess the current knowledge on cytokines in neuropathic pain by taking into consideration both human studies and animal models.ResultsThis analysis of the literature highlights the pathophysiological importance of cytokines. We particularly highlight the concept of time‐ and tissue‐dependent cytokine activation during neuropathic pain conditions.ConclusionThus, direct or indirect cytokines modulation with biotherapies or growth factors appears relevant. In addition, we discuss the therapeutic potential of localized injection of PRP as neuropathic pain treatment by pointing out the possible link between cytokines and the action of PRP.SignificancePreclinical and clinical studies highlight the idea of a cytokine imbalance in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Clinical trials with anticytokine drugs are encouraging but are limited by a 'cytokine candidate approach' and adverse effect of biotherapies. PRP, containing various growth factors, is a new therapeutic used in regenerative medicine. Growth factors can be also considered as modulators of cytokine balance. Here, we emphasize a potential therapeutic effect of PRP on cytokine imbalance in neuropathic pain. We also underline the clinical interest of the use of PRP, not only for its therapeutic effect but also for its safety of use.
Modulatory Effects of Mercury (II) Chloride (HgCl2) on Chicken Macrophage and B-Lymphocyte Cell Lines with Viral-Like Challenges In Vitro
Authors: Han Biyao , García-Mendoza Diego , van den Berg Hans , van den Brink Nico W. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic trace metal ubiquitously distributed in the environment. Inorganic mercury (as HgCl2) can cause immunotoxicity in birds, but the mechanisms of action are still not fully resolved, especially with respect to responses to viral infections. To investigate the potential immunomodulatory effects of Hg2+ on specific cell types of the avian immune system, chicken macrophage (HD-11) and B-lymphocyte (DT40) cell lines were applied as in vitro models for the innate and adaptive immune systems, respectively. The cells were stimulated with synthetic double-stranded RNA, which can be recognized by toll-like receptor-3 to mimic a viral infection. The Hg2+ showed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in both cell lines, with similar median effect concentrations at 30 µM. The cytotoxicity of Hg2+ was closely related to glutathione (GSH) depletion and reactive oxygen species induction, whereas the de novo synthesis of GSH acted as a primary protective strategy. Nitric oxide produced by activated macrophages was strongly inhibited by Hg2+, and was also influenced by cellular GSH levels. Cell proliferation, gene expression of microRNA-155, and cellular IgM levels in B cells were decreased at noncytotoxic Hg2+ concentrations. The secretion of antiviral interferon-α was induced by Hg2+ in both cell lines. Overall, our results suggest that Hg2+ exposure can cause immunomodulatory effects in birds by disrupting immune cell proliferation and cytokine production, and might result in disorders of the avian immune system. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2813–2824. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Stability of SARS‐CoV‐2 as consequence of heating and microwave processing in meat products and bread
Authors: Norouzbeigi Sahar , Yekta Reza , Vahid‐Dastjerdi Leily , Keyvani Hossein , Ranjbar Mohammad Mehdi , Shadnoush Mahdi , Yousefi Mojtaba , Khorshidian Nasim , Sohrabvandi Sara , Mortazavian Amir M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) that was first found in 2019 in Wuhan, China, caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). It then spread worldwide rapidly, causing the 2019–2020 coronavirus pandemic. To date, it has been indicated that various transmission ways might be participated in outbreaks of COVID‐19. Among these, food products, whether raw or processed, might be carriers for SARS‐CoV‐2. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the effect of cooking and microwave process of meat products and bread on the stability of SARS‐CoV‐2. In this regard, sausages and hamburger as meat products and toast bread were inoculated with a viral load of 5.70 log fifty percent tissue culture infective dose (TCID50)/mL in order to create a simulated cross‐contamination condition. The results showed that frying of hamburger at 225ºC for about either 6 or 10 min resulted in complete inactivation of SARS‐CoV‐2. Furthermore, a 5‐log decrease in SARS‐CoV‐2 load was observed in sausages as a consequence of cooking process at 78ºC for either 20 or 30 min. Additionally, the effect of microwave oven at power of 630 watt on stability of SARS‐CoV‐2 showed that exposing toast bread for either 30 s or 1 min in this power led to a 5‐log decrease in SARS‐CoV‐2 load in the toast bread.
Measuring work complexity for acute care services
Authors: Lin Shuguang , Rouse Paul , Zhang Fan , Wang Ying‐Ming 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCase weights capture the resource cost by diagnosis‐related group (DRG) but may not fully reflect the complexity of the clinical services provided. This study describes the use of a work complexity index (WCI), for assessing acute care services focusing on those provided by physicians in healthcare systems. The services are classified using relative value units (RVUs) and their point value assigned using the resource‐based relative value scale. 57,559 acute inpatients from a tertiary hospital were first classified into diagnosis‐related groups, which together with the relative value units assigned to services were then used to calculate a work complexity index for 38 departments. A case mix index (CMI) was also compiled as a conventional measure of complexity which had a correlation of 0.676 (p < 0.001) with the WCI. The correlation between the WCI and the RVUs representing the weighted volume of physician activities was 0.342 (p = 0.036). The WCI represents a more output or activity focused measure of complexity whereas the CMI is more patient focused and thus provides better insights into Departments' productivity. Although this paper focuses on physicians, the WCI can be easily extended to include other clinical services.
Characterization of the blood and neutrophil‐specific microbiomes and exploration of potential bacterial biomarkers for sepsis in surgical patients
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Li Qiurong , Tang Chun , Zhao Xiaofan , He Qin , Tang Xingming , Ren Jianan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionRecent studies have demonstrated the presence of a circulating microbiome in the blood of healthy subjects and chronic inflammatory patients. However, our knowledge regarding the blood microbiome and its potential roles in surgical patients remains very limited. The objective of this study was to determine the blood microbial landscape in surgical patients and to explore its potential associations with postoperative sepsis.Materials and Methods2825 patients who underwent surgical treatments were screened for enrollment and 204 cases were recruited in this study. The patients were sub‐grouped into noninfected, infected, sepsis, and septic shock according to postoperative clinical manifestations. A total of 222 blood samples were obtained for neutrophil isolation, DNA extraction and high‐throughput sequencing, quantitative proteomics analysis, and flow cytometric analyses.ResultsBlood and neutrophils in surgical patients and healthy controls contained highly diverse microbiomes, mainly comprising Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The majority (80.7%–91.5%) of the microbiomes were composed of gut‐associated bacteria. The microbiomes in septic patients were significantly distinct from those of healthy controls, and marked differences in microbiome composition were observed between sepsis and septic shock groups. Several specific bacterial genera, including Flavobacterium, Agrococcus, Polynucleobacter, and Acidovorax, could distinguish patients with septic shock from those with sepsis, with higher area under curve values. Moreover, Agrococcus, Polynucleobacter, and Acidovorax were positively associated with the sequential (sepsis‐related) organ failure assessment scores and/or acute physiology and chronic health examination scores in septic shock patients. The proteins involved in bactericidal activities of neutrophils were downregulated in septic patients.ConclusionsWe present evidence identifying significant changes of blood and neutrophil‐specific microbiomes across various stages of sepsis, which might be associated with the progression of sepsis after surgical treatments. Several certain bacterial genera in blood microbiome could have potential as microbial markers for early detection of sepsis.
Pan‐cancer analysis of prognostic metastatic phenotypes
Authors: Zaorsky Nicholas G. , Wang Xi , Garrett Sara M. , Lehrer Eric J. , Lin Christine , DeGraff David J. , Spratt Daniel E. , Trifiletti Daniel M. , Kishan Amar U. , Showalter Timothy N. , Park Henry S. , Yang Jonathan T. , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Wang Ming 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAlthough cancer is highly heterogeneous, all metastatic cancer is considered American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Stage IV disease. The purpose of this project was to redefine staging of metastatic cancer. Internal validation of nationally representative patient data from the National Cancer Database (n = 461 357; 2010‐2013), and external validation using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database (n = 106 595; 2014‐2015) were assessed using the concordance index for evaluation of survival prediction. A Cox proportional hazards model was used for overall survival by considering identified phenotypes (latent classes) and other confounding variables. Latent class analysis was performed for phenotype identification, where Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and sample‐size‐adjusted BIC were used to select the optimal number of distinct clusters. Kappa coefficients assessed external cluster validation. Latent class analysis identified five metastatic phenotypes with differences in overall survival (P < .0001): (Stage IVA) nearly exclusive bone‐only metastases (n = 59 049, 12.8%; median survival 12.7 months; common in lung, breast and prostate cancers); (IVB) predominant lung metastases (n = 62 491, 13.5%; 11.4 months; common in breast, stomach, kidney, ovary, uterus, thyroid, cervix and soft tissue cancers); (IVC) predominant liver/lung metastases (n = 130 014, 28.2%; 7.0 months; common in colorectum, pancreatic, lung, esophagus and stomach cancers); (IVD) bone/liver/lung metastases predominant over brain (n = 61 004, 13.2%; 5.9 months; common in lung and breast cancers); and (IVE) brain/lung metastases predominant over bone/liver (n = 148 799, 32.3%; 5.7 months; lung cancer and melanoma). Long‐term survivors were identified, particularly in Stages IVA‐B. A pan‐cancer nomogram model to predict survival (STARS: site, tumor, age, race, sex) was created, validated and provides 13% better prognostication than AJCC: 1‐month concordance index of 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66‐0.67) vs 0.61 (95% CI: 0.60‐0.61). STARS is simple, uses easily accessible variables, better prognosticates survival outcomes and provides a platform to develop novel metastasis‐directed clinical trials.
Stillbirths in Germany: On the rise, but no additional increases during the first COVID‐19 lockdown
Authors: Kniffka Maxi S. , Nitsche Natalie , Rau Roland , Kühn Mine 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo examine possible changes in the rate of stillbirths in Germany during the first COVID‐19 lockdown.MethodsPopulation‐level data of live births and stillbirths occurring between January 1995 and July 2020 were used and negative binomial regression was applied to estimate the rate of stillbirths in this period. The actual rate was compared to the expected figure for 2020.ResultsA steady increase in stillbirths was detected in Germany since 2013. The stillbirth rate for January to July 2020 (4.148) was slightly lower than that of the same period in 2019 (4.242). Furthermore, all monthly rates of stillbirths during the first half of 2020 lie inside the 95% prediction interval of expected stillbirth rates for this period.ConclusionA growing body of studies on the indirect effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on stillbirths shows mixed and context‐dependent evidence. In contrast to other European countries, stillbirth rates have been on the rise in Germany in the last decade. However, stillbirth rates during the first half of 2020 were not higher than expected. The results suggest that stillbirth rates have not changed during the first‐wave COVID‐19 lockdown in this high‐income setting. However, further studies on the causes of the increasing trend in stillbirths in Germany are needed.
Multi‐ and dual‐tuned microstripline‐based transmit/receive switch for 7‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Abuelhaija Ashraf , Saleh Gameel , Nashwan Osama , Issa Samer , Salama Sanaa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article introduces two new designs of transmit/receive switches for 7‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. Both designs based on a microstripline coupler technology. In the first design, a different single frequency signals can be handled to/from a radio frequency coil using smart tuning network. In the second design, a dual‐tuned 1H/23Na transmit/receive switch is designed to handle a dual resonant signal to a dual resonant 1H/23Na coil, simultaneously and without tuning. In transmit and receive, the first design achieved good matching (‐20 dB), and low insertion loss (0.78 dB) for the 1H, 19F, 31P, 13C, and 23Na magnetic resonance signals with high isolation (61 dB). Similarly, the dual‐tuned 1H/23Na switch achieved good matching (<−11.5 dB) and low insertion loss (1.0 dB) with high isolation (67 dB), whereas for 1H/31P switch, good matching has been achieved (<−12 dB) and low insertion loss (0.96 dB) with high isolation (62 dB). The first proposed switch enables the use of the same switch with different coils resonating at Larmor frequencies of different atomic nuclei. The second switch can handle a dual resonant signal to a single dual resonant coil. The first design is promising in reducing the costs by using the same switch with different coils. The second design is promising in the integration with multichannel dual resonant coil.
Learning in Sequential Auctions
Authors: Jeitschko Thomas D. 
Published: July 2021

The importance of information transmission and learning is studied in a model of a sequential auction in which bidders have independent private values. In the course of the auction, information about the bidders' values becomes available as winning bids are revealed. From this, bidders learn about their opponents' types. A more subtle effect of information is that bidders anticipate the generation of information and take this into account in the first auction.The equilibrium in this model is contrasted to a scenario in which bidders are unaware of informational effects. It is shown that bidders who are aware of informational effects place lower bids on average and hence have higher payoffs. Properties of the equilibrium price path are studied. Regardless of the outcome of the first auction, the second price is expected to be equal to the first price. Despite this, the probability of a decreasing price sequence depends on the information generated in the first auction. Finally, it is shown that a simultaneous auction, in which informational effects are absent, yields the same expected final allocation as the equilibrium.
Cyclical labour income risk in Great Britain
Authors: Angelopoulos Konstantinos , Lazarakis Spyridon , Malley James 
Published: July 2021

SummaryThis paper provides new evidence on the cyclical behaviour of household labour income risk in Great Britain and the role of social insurance policy in mitigating against this source of income risk. To achieve this, we decompose stochastic idiosyncratic household income into its transitory and persistent components. We focus our analysis of income risk captured by the second to fourth moments of the probability distribution of shocks to the persistent component of income. We find that household labour income risk increases during contractions via changes in third and fourth central moments of persistent shocks to labour income, whereas the variance remains acyclical. We also find that economic policy has reduced the level of risk exposure and its increase during contractions via benefits rather than tax policies.
Establishment of the reference intervals of whole blood neutrophil phagocytosis by flow cytometry
Authors: Yang Fangfang , Zhang Fujie , Yang Liping , Li Haoran , Zhou Yonglie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the reference intervals (RIs) of the whole blood neutrophil phagocytosis by flow cytometry (FCM) and to study the application value of neutrophil phagocytosis in infectious diseases.MethodsPathogens (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) cultured for 18–24 h were labeled by fluorescence probe carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFDA‐SE), and then incubated with whole blood at 37℃. The phagocytosis of pathogens by neutrophils was detected by flow cytometry, and a reference interval was established.ResultsIn the healthy adults, the reference interval for the neutrophil phagocytosis to Escherichia coli was 46.91%–83.09% and to Staphylococcus aureus was 33.92%–69.48%. This method showed good reproducibility. Neutrophil phagocytosis was negatively correlated with the neutrophil count, neutrophil percentage, and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR, p < 0.05).ConclusionWe have successfully established the RIs of neutrophil phagocytosis in whole blood in healthy adults by flow cytometry (FCM), which might be of important clinical value in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of infectious diseases.
Single‐cell analyses reveal the differentiation shifts of Schwann cells in neonatal rat sciatic nerves
Authors: Zhang Ruirui , Chen Qi , Huang Li , Zhang Yunsong , Wang Xinghui , Yi Sheng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSchwann cells provide essential physical and chemical support for neurons and play critical roles in the peripheral nervous system. To acquire an enhanced understanding of the genetic characteristics of Schwann cells, we analyzed single‐cell transcriptional profiling of Schwann cells in neonatal rat sciatic nerves, ordered the pseudotemporal states of Schwann cells, and determined the magnitude of RNA velocity vectors as well as cell cycle stages of Schwann cell subtypes. We discovered the cellular heterogeneity of Schwann cells in neonatal rat sciatic nerves, revealed the dynamic changes of Schwann cell subtypes, and pointed out the differentiation trajectory from Timp3‐ and Col5a3‐expressing Schwann cell subtype 3 to other Schwann cell subtypes. The functional interpretation further indicated that subtype 3 Schwann cells display genetic signatures of DNA replication and the acquisition of mesenchymal traits. Our study presents a transcriptional summarization of the differentiation states of Schwann cell subtypes in neonatal rat sciatic nerves at single‐cell resolution and may serve as a foundation for a deeper comprehension of the involvement of Schwann cells in the development and regeneration of peripheral nerves.
Scanning electron microscopy of the palatine mucosa with connective tissue papillae of the Egyptian red fox (Vulpes vulpes aegyptiaca, Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Mahdy Mohamed A. A. , Mohammed Elsayed S. I. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe present study investigated the morphological, as well as the histological features of the Egyptian red fox's palate, in addition to the three‐dimensional characteristics of the connective tissue papillae (CTP) of the palate by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hard palate was narrow rostrally and its width increased caudally. The maximum width was located at the caudal border of the upper fourth premolar tooth. The incisive papilla was represented by a rounded median elevation surrounded on each side by a groove on which the oral openings of the incisive ducts opened. The rostral part of the hard palate had 9–10 caudally concave transverse palatine ridges while the caudal part appeared smooth without ridges. The palatine raphe was indistinct rostrally but formed a groove caudally. By SEM, the palatine ridges had low projections. Different microplicae systems were present on the epithelial surface of the incisive papilla, palatine rugae, interrugal areas, and the smooth part. The CTP of the incisive papilla, palatine ridges, and soft palate were conical‐shaped, cylindrical‐shaped, and parallel serrated ridges, respectively. Histologically, the hard palate was lined by a cornified stratified squamous epithelium resting on a dense connective layer of lamina propria while the soft palate was lined by a noncornified stratified squamous epithelium. The palatine salivary glands were present in the smooth part of the hard palate and the soft palate. The information presented in the current study might serve as a reference guide for the interpretation of pathological conditions of the palate of red fox.