bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The lengths of trachea and main bronchus in Chinese Shanghai population
Authors: Ge Xiahui , Huang Haidong , Bai Chong , Guo Xuejun , Kosmidis Christoforos , Sapalidis Konstantinos , Baka Sofia , Tsakiridis Kosmas , Hohenforst-Schmidt Wolfgang , Freitag Lutz , Vagionas Anastasios , Drevelegas Konstantinos , Zarogoulidis Paul
Published: January 2021

The knowledge of airway length is the theoretical basis in the diagnosis and management of airway disease. The objective of this study is to measure the length of trachea and left and right main bronchus in Chinese Shanghai population. A total of 153 consecutive adult patients with minor pulmonary disease in Xinhua hospital were enrolled for bronchoscopy examination. Measurements were conducted on head and neck neutral position and height, weight and age for each patient were recorded either. Student t test and multiple linear regression was used to compare means between males and females and to analyze correlation among height, weight, sexual dimorphism and the lengths of the trachea and bronchus. The lengths of the trachea and left main bronchus are significantly different between male and female patients (P < 0.01), but not for the lengths of right main bronchus between man and woman. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that height but not sexual dimorphism and weight correlated with the lengths of the trachea and right main bronchus. The lengths of the trachea and left main bronchus are significantly longer in males than in females. Moreover, height but not sexual dimorphism and weight influenced the length of airway.
Oral administration of resveratrol or lactic acid bacterium improves lens elasticity
Authors: Nagashima Hayato , Sasaki Nobunari , Amano Sachie , Nakamura Shigeru , Hayano Motoshi , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: January 2021

A decrease in the elasticity of the ocular lens during aging is associated with loss of the accommodative ability of the eye, leading to presbyopia. Although near vision impairment is a social issue affecting the length of healthy life expectancy and productivity of elderly people, an effective treatment to improve near vision has not yet become available. Here we examined the effect ofEnterococcus faeciumWB2000,Lactobacillus pentosusTJ515, and resveratrol on lens elasticity in rats, where the stiffness of the ocular lens increases exponentially during the aging process. A combination of WB2000 and resveratrol improved lens elasticity not only in the long term but also with just short-term treatment. In addition, TJ515 decreased stiffness in the eye lens with long-term treatment. Therefore, the oral administration of WB2000 and resveratrol or TJ515 may be a potential approach for managing the progression of near vision impairment.
Subthreshold laser treatment for reticular pseudodrusen secondary to age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Querques Giuseppe , Sacconi Riccardo , Gelormini Francesco , Borrelli Enrico , Prascina Francesco , Zucchiatti Ilaria , Querques Lea , Bandello Francesco
Published: January 2021

There is a lack of treatment aimed at the regression of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The aim of this prospective, pilot study is to evaluate the safety and short-term efficacy of subthreshold laser treatment (SLT) in patients affected by RPD secondary to dry AMD (dAMD). Twenty eyes of 20 patients (mean age 78.4 ± 6.8 years) with RPD secondary to dAMD were prospectively enrolled. All patients were treated in an extrafoveal area of 1.27 mm2 using end-point management yellow subthreshold laser and followed for 3 months. Best-corrected visual acuity was 0.140 ± 0.09 LogMAR at the baseline and no changes were observed during the follow-up (p = 0.232). No significant worsening was disclosed before and after the treatment analyzing the macular sensitivity of the treated area (p = 0.152). No topical and/or systemic side effects were disclosed during the 3-month follow-up. The distribution among the RPD stages changed after the treatment (p < 0.001). In detail, in the treated area, we observed a significant increase in the number of Stage 1 RPD during the follow-up (p = 0.002), associated with a significant decrease of Stage 3 RPD (p = 0.020). Outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness analysis showed a significant increase after the treatment associated with RPD regression (p = 0.001). End-point management SLT appears a safe treatment for RPD secondary to dAMD, showing short-term safety outcomes. Our results suggest that SLT could be effective in inducing a RPD regression in terms of RPD stage and ONL thickening.
Safety, biodistribution and viral shedding of oncolytic vaccinia virus TG6002 administered intravenously in healthy beagle dogs
Authors: Béguin Jérémy , Gantzer Murielle , Farine Isabelle , Foloppe Johann , Klonjkowski Bernard , Maurey Christelle , Quéméneur Éric , Erbs Philippe
Published: January 2021

Oncolytic virotherapy is an emerging strategy that uses replication-competent viruses to kill tumor cells. We have reported the oncolytic effects of TG6002, a recombinant oncolytic vaccinia virus, in preclinical human xenograft models and canine tumor explants. To assess the safety, biodistribution and shedding of TG6002 administered by the intravenous route, we conducted a study in immune-competent healthy dogs. Three dogs each received a single intravenous injection of TG6002 at 105PFU/kg, 106PFU/kg or 107PFU/kg, and one dog received three intravenous injections at 107PFU/kg. The injections were well tolerated without any clinical, hematological or biochemical adverse events. Viral genomes were only detected in blood at the earliest sampling time point of one-hour post-injection at 107PFU/kg. Post mortem analyses at day 35 allowed detection of viral DNA in the spleen of the dog which received three injections at 107PFU/kg. Viral genomes were not detected in the urine, saliva or feces of any dogs. Seven days after the injections, a dose-dependent antibody mediated immune response was identified. In conclusion, intravenous administration of TG6002 shows a good safety profile, supporting the initiation of clinical trials in canine cancer patients as well as further development as a human cancer therapy.
Atorvastatin impairs liver mitochondrial function in obese Göttingen Minipigs but heart and skeletal muscle are not affected
Authors: Christiansen Liselotte Bruun , Dohlmann Tine Lovsø , Ludvigsen Trine Pagh , Parfieniuk Ewa , Ciborowski Michal , Szczerbinski Lukasz , Kretowski Adam , Desler Claus , Tiano Luca , Orlando Patrick , Martinussen Torben , Olsen Lisbeth Høier , Larsen Steen
Published: January 2021

Statins lower the risk of cardiovascular events but have been associated with mitochondrial functional changes in a tissue-dependent manner. We investigated tissue-specific modifications of mitochondrial function in liver, heart and skeletal muscle mediated by chronic statin therapy in a Göttingen Minipig model. We hypothesized that statins enhance the mitochondrial function in heart but impair skeletal muscle and liver mitochondria. Mitochondrial respiratory capacities, citrate synthase activity, coenzyme Q10 concentrations and protein carbonyl content (PCC) were analyzed in samples of liver, heart and skeletal muscle from three groups of Göttingen Minipigs: a lean control group (CON, n = 6), an obese group (HFD, n = 7) and an obese group treated with atorvastatin for 28 weeks (HFD + ATO, n = 7). Atorvastatin concentrations were analyzed in each of the three tissues and in plasma from the Göttingen Minipigs. In treated minipigs, atorvastatin was detected in the liver and in plasma. A significant reduction in complex I + II-supported mitochondrial respiratory capacity was seen in liver of HFD + ATO compared to HFD (P = 0.022). Opposite directed but insignificant modifications of mitochondrial respiratory capacity were seen in heart versus skeletal muscle in HFD + ATO compared to the HFD group. In heart muscle, the HFD + ATO had significantly higher PCC compared to the HFD group (P = 0.0323). In the HFD group relative to CON, liver mitochondrial respiration decreased whereas in skeletal muscle, respiration increased but these changes were insignificant when normalizing for mitochondrial content. Oral atorvastatin treatment in Göttingen Minipigs is associated with a reduced mitochondrial respiratory capacity in the liver that may be linked to increased content of atorvastatin in this organ.
Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for diabetic foot ulcer, a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Sharma Suresh K. , Mudgal Shiv Kumar , Jelly Prasuna , Thakur Kalpana
Published: January 2021

Studies have suggested that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is effective in the healing of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU); however, there is a lack of consensus. Therefore, to assess the efficacy of HBOT on diabetic foot ulcer among diabetic patients, controlled clinical trials were searched through PubMed, EMBASE, Clinical key, Ovid Discovery, ERMED, Clinical Trials.gov databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other sources until 15 September 2020. Studies that evaluated the effect of HBOT on diabetic foot ulcer, complete healing, amputation, adverse events, ulcer reduction area, and mortality rate were included. Of 1984 study records screened, 14 studies (768 participants) including twelve RCTs, and two CCTs were included as per inclusion criteria. The results with pooled analysis have shown that HBOT was significantly effective in complete healing of diabetic foot ulcer (OR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.14–0.61; I2 = 62%) and reduction of major amputation (RR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.39–0.92; I2 = 24%). Although, it was not effective for minor amputations (RR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.34–1.97; I2 = 79%); however, less adverse events were reported in standard treatment group (RR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.07–2.65; I2 = 0%). Nevertheless, reduction in mean percentage of ulcer area and mortality rate did not differ in HBOT and control groups. This review provides an evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is effective as an adjunct treatment measure for the diabetes foot ulcers. These findings could be generalized cautiously by considering methodological flaws within all studies.
Detection of a peritumoral pseudocapsule in patients with renal cell carcinoma undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy using enhanced MDCT
Authors: Toguchi Makoto , Takagi Toshio , Ogawa Yuko , Morita Satoru , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Kondo Tsunenori , Iizuka Junpei , Ishida Hideki , Nagashima Yoji , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: January 2021

To investigate the detection of peritumoral pseudocapsule (PC) using multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) for tumors resected by robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Study participants included 206 patients with clinical T1 RCC who underwent RAPN between October 2017 and February 2018. Two radiologists who were blinded to the pathological findings evaluated the computed tomography (CT) images. Radiological diagnosis of a PC was defined by a combination of observations, including a low-attenuation rim between the tumor and renal cortex in the cortico-medullary phase and a high-attenuation rim at the edge of the tumor in the nephrogenic or excretory phase. A PC was detected on CT in 156/206 tumors (76%) and identified by pathology in 182/206 (88%) tumors including 153/166 (92%) clear cell RCC, 13/14 (93%) papillary RCC, and 7/16 (44%) chromophobe RCC. In the whole cohort, CT findings showed a sensitivity of 81.3% (148/182), specificity of 66.7% (16/24), and positive predictive value of 94.9% (148/156). When the data were stratified according to pathological subtypes, MDCT was observed to have a sensitivity of 86.9% (133/153) and specificity of 61.5% (8/13) in clear cell RCC, sensitivity of 38.5% (5/13) and specificity of 100% (1/1) in papillary RCC, and sensitivity of 44.4% (4/7) and specificity of 66.7% (6/9) in chromophobe RCC. A low or high-attenuation rim around the tumor in the cortico-medullary or nephrographic-to-excretory phase indicates a PC of RCC, though the accuracy is not satisfactory even with 64- or 320-detector MDCT.
The small silver nanoparticle-assisted homogeneous sensing of thiocyanate ions with an ultra-wide window based on surface-enhanced Raman-extinction spectroscopy
Authors: Bai Xiang-Ru , Zhang Lei , Ren Jia-Qiang , Shen Ai-Guo , Hu Ji-Ming
Published: January 2021

For the first time, we present an original sensing strategy with an ultra-wide detection window from 17 nM to 20 mM to detect SCN− ions.
Combining prior knowledge with input selection algorithms for quantitative analysis using neural networks in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Luarte Danny , Myakalwar Ashwin Kumar , Velásquez Marizú , Álvarez Jonnathan , Sandoval Claudio , Fuentes Rodrigo , Yañez Jorge , Sbarbaro Daniel
Published: January 2021

This work presents a systematic methodology based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC) for selecting the wavelengths of LIBS spectra as well as the ANN model complexity, by combining prior knowledge and variable selection algorithms.
A tris(benzyltriazolemethyl)amine-based cage as a CuAAC ligand tolerant to exogeneous bulky nucleophiles
Authors: Qiu Gege , Nava Paola , Martinez Alexandre , Colomban Cédric
Published: January 2021

The canonical CuAAC–ligandTBTAwas capped with a bowl-shaped unit yielding the cageHm-TBTA. The shielded structure does not suffer from product inhibition effect and is remarkably tolerant to the biological CuAAC-inhibitor Glutathione.
Coupling an organic photosensitizer and an inorganic framework into a single-phase material that shows visible-light photocurrent response
Authors: Zhang Tao , Hu Yue-Qiao , Li Qian-Wen , Chen Wei-Peng , Zheng Yan-Zhen
Published: January 2021

A rare hybrid of a 3D Sn–Se type framework and a ruthenium(ii) photosensitizer has been synthesized, and exhibits visible light photocurrent response.
Guanidinium sulfates as directors of noncentrosymmetric structures
Authors: Brummel Beau R. , Lee Kinsey G. , Kolis Joseph W. , Whitehead Daniel C. , McMillen Colin D.
Published: January 2021

Guanidinium sulfate hydrogen bonding networks are found to have a remarkable tendency to crystallize in noncentrosymmetric, chiral, and polar frameworks.
Photoisomerization-mechanism-associated excited-state hydrogen transfer in 2′-hydroxychalcone revealed by on-the-fly trajectory surface-hopping molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Hu Ying , Yue Ling , Gu Feng Long , Zhu Chaoyuan
Published: January 2021

Potential energy surface profiles for the excited-state hydrogen transfer of 2′-hydroxychalcone in terms of a complicated conical intersection network from four low-lying singlet electronic states.
The polysaccharides from the Grifola frondosa fruiting body prevent lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury via the miR-122-Nrf2/ARE pathways
Authors: Meng Meng , Zhang Rui , Han Ran , Kong Yu , Wang Ruhua , Hou Lihua
Published: January 2021

The polysaccharides from Grifola frondosa fruiting body can be used as a potential hepatoprotective agent in the treatment of acute liver injury.
Improving the flame retardancy of wood using an eco-friendly mineralisation process
Authors: Pondelak Andreja , Škapin Andrijana Sever , Knez Nataša , Knez Friderik , Pazlar Tomaž
Published: January 2021

In order to improve the fire retardancy of wood the eco-friendly method forin situformation of CaCO3deep inside the wood's structure was proposed by the vacuum-pressure impregnation of only one component – water solution of calcium acetoacetate.
One-pot biotransformation of glycerol into serinol catalysed by biocatalytic composites made of whole cells and immobilised enzymes
Authors: Ripoll Magdalena , Velasco-Lozano Susana , Jackson Erienne , Diamanti Eleftheria , Betancor Lorena , López-Gallego Fernando
Published: January 2021

An immobilized biocatalytic cascade to transform glycerol into serinol provides a green and economically sustainable process.
A portable, 3D printed, microfluidic device for multiplexed, real time, molecular detection of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, transmissible gastroenteritis virus, and porcine deltacoronavirus at the point of need
Authors: El-Tholoth Mohamed , Bai Huiwen , Mauk Michael G. , Saif Linda , Bau Haim H.
Published: January 2021

The porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), and porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) are coronaviruses (CoVs) of neonatal pigs that cause great economic losses to pig farms and pork processors.
Boron-vertex modification of carba-closo-dodecaborate for high-performance magnesium-ion battery electrolyte
Authors: Watanabe Mamoru , Kanazawa Junichiro , Hamamura Tomofumi , Shimokawa Takumi , Miyamoto Kazunori , Hibino Mitsuhiro , Nakura Kensuke , Inatomi Yuu , Kitazawa Yu , Uchiyama Masanobu
Published: January 2021

A new family of Mg salts of carba-closo-dodecaborate was developed for Mg ion battery applications. Modification at the boron vertices drastically improves the solubility without compromising the chemical and redox stability.
Functionalized highly electron-rich redox-active electropolymerized 3,4-propylenedioxythiophenes as precursors and targets for bioelectronics and supercapacitors
Authors: Karazehir Tolga , Sarac Baran , Gilsing Hans-Detlev , Gumrukcu Selin , Eckert Jürgen , Sarac A. Sezai
Published: January 2021

Electron-rich redox-active electropolymerized 3,4-propylenedioxythiophenes as precursors and targets for bioelectronics and supercapacitors.
Polydopamine antibacterial materials
Authors: Fu Yu , Yang Lei , Zhang Jianhua , Hu Junfei , Duan Gaigai , Liu Xianhu , Li Yiwen , Gu Zhipeng
Published: January 2021

This review focuses on the recent progress in polydopamine antibacterial materials, including their structural and functional features, preparation strategies, antibacterial mechanisms, and their biomedical applications.
Visualization of molecular binding sites at the nanoscale in the lift-up mode by amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy
Authors: Maekawa Tatsuhiro , Nyu Takashi , Mondarte Evan Angelo Quimada , Tahara Hiroyuki , Suthiwanich Kasinan , Hayashi Tomohiro
Published: January 2021

We report a new approach to visualize the local distribution of molecular recognition sites with nanoscale resolution by amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy.
When graphene meets ionic liquids: a good match for the design of functional materials
Authors: Aldroubi Soha , Brun Nicolas , Bou Malham Ibrahim , Mehdi Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Thanks to successful cohabitation between graphene and ionic liquids (ILs), a large avenue can be opened for the design of functional nanomaterials in a broad range of applications, including catalysis, gas separation and electrochemistry.
Tailored growth of graphene oxide liquid crystals with controlled polymer crystallization in GO-polymer composites
Authors: Mun Soh Jin , Shim Yul Hui , Kim Geon Woong , Koo Sung Hwan , Ahn Hyungju , Shin Tae Joo , Kim Sang Ouk , Kim So Youn
Published: January 2021

Kinetics of polymer crystallization determines the liquid crystallinity of graphene oxide and its long range alignment.
Plasmonic nano-antimicrobials: properties, mechanisms and applications in microbe inactivation and sensing
Authors: An Xingda , Erramilli Shyamsunder , Reinhard Björn M.
Published: January 2021

The photophysical properties of plasmonic nanoparticles facilitate the sensitive detection and inactivation of microbial pathogens and, thus, form the basis for plasmonic nano-antimicrobials.
Polarization influences the evolution of nucleobase–graphene interactions
Authors: H Hemanth. , Mallajosyula Sairam S.
Published: January 2021

Guanine molecules self-assembled into an ordered structure in the presence of a polarizable graphene sheet.
Ionic liquid in situ functionalized carbon nanotubes as metal-free catalyst for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Tianhao , Chen Yanping , Hu Weihua , Yuan Weiyong , Zhao Qichao , Yao Yanling , Zhang Bing , Qiu Chuntian , Li Chang Ming
Published: January 2021

IL-functionalized CNTs are synthesized as efficient metal-free electrocatalyst, in which ILs regarding as electron acceptors facilitates the electron transfer and hydrogen adsorption, thereby enhancing the HER performance.
Enantioselective synthesis of chiral tetrasubstituted allenes: harnessing electrostatic and noncovalent interactions in a bifunctional activation model for N-triflylphosphoramide catalysis
Authors: Zhu Li-Han , Yuan Hai-Yan , Zhang Jing-Ping
Published: January 2021

DFT calculation reveals that the oxygen activation model is preferred than the nitrogen activation model due to the preferred chiral electrostatic environment.
Synergetic catalysis of Se and Cu allowing diethoxylation of halomethylene ketones using O2 as the mild oxidant
Authors: Cao Zhicheng , Deng Xin , Chen Chao , Liu Yonghong , Yu Lei , Jiang Xuefeng
Published: January 2021

Catalyzed by PhSe(O)OH/Cu(OAc)2, sp3-C–H alkylation of bromomethylene ketones produced useful α-carbonyl acetals under mild conditions. Bromo-containing substrates could release HBr during the reaction, avoiding the use of acidic additives.
Advances in anion binding and sensing using luminescent lanthanide complexes
Authors: Bodman Samantha E. , Butler Stephen J.
Published: January 2021

This minireview highlights advances in anion binding and sensing using luminescent lanthanide(iii) complexes.
On the location of Lewis acidic aluminum in zeolite mordenite and the role of framework-associated aluminum in mediating the switch between Brønsted and Lewis acidity
Authors: Ravi Manoj , Sushkevich Vitaly L. , van Bokhoven Jeroen A.
Published: January 2021

Framework-associated aluminum is demonstrated to facilitate a reversible switch between Lewis and Brønsted acidity in zeolites with the Lewis acid sites preferentially populating the side-pockets in the case of mordenite.
Using internal electrostatic fields to manipulate the valence manifolds of copper complexes
Authors: Weberg Alexander B. , McCollom Samuel P. , Thierer Laura M. , Gau Michael R. , Carroll Patrick J. , Tomson Neil C.
Published: January 2021

Secondary coordination sphere electrostatic effects tune the valence manifolds of copper centers, impacting molecular geometries, photophysical properties, and redox potentials.
Cooperatively assembled liquid crystals enable temperature-controlled Förster resonance energy transfer
Authors: Yu Zhen-Qiang , Li Xiaodong , Wan Wei , Li Xin-Shun , Fu Kuo , Wu Yue , Li Alexander D. Q.
Published: January 2021

A temperature-sensitive Förster resonance energy transfer system was constructed using a highly emissive liquid crystal co-assembled with Nile red, enabling thermo-optical modulation for controlling and directing light in stimuli-responsive devices.
An ultrasensitive ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of Hg2+ and its application in cell and zebrafish
Authors: Sheng Wenlong , Yu Yamin , Gao Na , Jin Meng , Wang Lizhen , Li Ning , Li Can , Zhang Huili , Zhang Yun , Liu Kechun
Published: January 2021

A water-soluble ratiometric fluorescent probe CP-Hg with ultra-fast response, high specificity and sensitivity to detect Hg2+ was characterized. CP-Hg with good biocompatibility has been applied to detect Hg2+ in water samples, cells and zebrafish.
A first-principles study on the electronic and optical properties of a type-II C2N/g-ZnO van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Song Jianxun , Zheng Hua , Liu Minxia , Zhang Geng , Ling Dongxiong , Wei Dongshan
Published: January 2021

The structural, electronic and optical properties of a new vdW heterostructure, C2N/g-ZnO, with an intrinsic type-II band alignment and a direct bandgap of 0.89 eV at the Γ point are extensively studied by DFT calculations.
Retraction: Oleuropein inhibits esophageal cancer through hypoxic suppression of BTG3 mRNA
Authors: Ross Philippa
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Oleuropein inhibits esophageal cancer through hypoxic suppression of BTG3 mRNA’ by Fengli Zhang et al., Food Funct., 2019, 10, 978–985, DOI: 10.1039/C8FO02223B.
Retraction: Long non-coding RNA GACAT1 alleviates doxorubicin and vincristine resistance through a PTEN/AKT/mTOR/S6K1 regulatory pathway in gastric cancer
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Long non-coding RNA GACAT1 alleviates doxorubicin and vincristine resistance through a PTEN/AKT/mTOR/S6K1 regulatory pathway in gastric cancer’ by Hengxuan Ding et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 8048–8055, DOI: 10.1039/C8RA10030F.
Retraction: Berberine alleviates amyloid beta-induced injury in Alzheimer’s disease by miR-107/ZNF217
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Berberine alleviates amyloid beta-induced injury in Alzheimer’s disease by miR-107/ZNF217’ by Jing Wang et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 25232–25239, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA04500G.
Retraction: Daphnetin inhibits proliferation and glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Daphnetin inhibits proliferation and glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway’ by Zhikuan He et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 34483–34490, DOI: 10.1039/C8RA05583A.
Retraction: Gm5820, an antisense RNA of FGF1, suppresses FGF1 expression at the posttranscriptional level to inactivate the ERK/STAT3 pathway and alleviates neuropathic pain in mice
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Gm5820, an antisense RNA of FGF1, suppresses FGF1 expression at the posttranscriptional level to inactivate the ERK/STAT3 pathway and alleviates neuropathic pain in mice’ by Xin Zhang et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 28364–28376, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA03791H.
Retraction: Down-regulation of the radiation-induced pEGFRThr654 mediated activation of DNA-PK by Cetuximab in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Down-regulation of the radiation-induced pEGFRThr654 mediated activation of DNA-PK by Cetuximab in cervical cancer cells’ by Yunxiang Qi et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 1132–1141, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA04962B.
Retraction: Knockdown of TUG1 aggravates hypoxia-induced myocardial cell injury via regulation of miR-144-3p/Notch1
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Knockdown of TUG1 aggravates hypoxia-induced myocardial cell injury via regulation of miR-144-3p/Notch1’ by Bo Zhu et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 22931–22941, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA01311C.
Correction: Experimental and computational conductivity study of multilayer graphene in polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: del Castillo Roxana M. , del Castillo Luis F. , Calles Alipio G. , Compañ Vicente
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘Experimental and computational conductivity study of multilayer graphene in polypropylene nanocomposites’ by Roxana M. del Castillo et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2018, 6, 7232–7241, DOI: 10.1039/C8TC01135D.
Role of B lymphocytes in the infarcted mass in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Casarotti Ana C.A. , Teixeira Daniela , Longo-Maugeri Ieda M. , Ishimura Mayari E. , Coste Maria E.R. , Bianco Henrique T. , Moreira Flavio T. , Bacchin Amanda F. , Izar Maria C. , Gonçalves Iran , Caixeta Adriano , Szarf Gilberto , Pinto Ibraim M. , Fonseca Francisco A.
Published: January 2021

Despite early reperfusion, patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may present large myocardial necrosis and significant impairment of ventricular function. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of subtypes of B lymphocytes and related cytokines in the infarcted mass and left ventricular ejection fraction obtained by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging performed after 30 days of STEMI. This prospective study included 120 subjects with STEMI submitted to pharmacoinvasive strategy. Blood samples were collected in subjects in the first (D1) and 30th (D30) days post STEMI. The amount of CD11b+ B1 lymphocytes (cells/ml) at D1 were related to the infarcted mass (rho = 0.43; P=0.033), measured by cardiac MRI at D30. These B1 cells were associated with CD4+ T lymphocytes at D1 and D30, while B2 classic lymphocytes at day 30 were related to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Higher titers of circulating IL-4 and IL-10 were observed at D30 versus D1 (P=0.013 and P<0.001, respectively). Titers of IL-6 at D1 were associated with infarcted mass (rho = 0.41, P<0.001) and inversely related to LVEF (rho = −0.38, P<0.001). After multiple linear regression analysis, high-sensitivity troponin T and IL-6 collected at day 1 were independent predictors of infarcted mass and, at day 30, only HDL-C. Regarding LVEF, high-sensitivity troponin T and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were independent predictors at day 1, and B2 classic lymphocytes, at day 30. In subjects with STEMI, despite early reperfusion, the amount of infarcted mass and ventricular performance were related to inflammatory responses triggered by circulating B lymphocytes.
Environment-coupled models of leaf metabolism
Authors: Töpfer Nadine
Published: January 2021

The plant leaf is the main site of photosynthesis. This process converts light energy and inorganic nutrients into chemical energy and organic building blocks for the biosynthesis and maintenance of cellular components and to support the growth of the rest of the plant. The leaf is also the site of gas–water exchange and due to its large surface, it is particularly vulnerable to pathogen attacks. Therefore, the leaf's performance and metabolic modes are inherently determined by its interaction with the environment. Mathematical models of plant metabolism have been successfully applied to study various aspects of photosynthesis, carbon and nitrogen assimilation and metabolism, aided suggesting metabolic intervention strategies for optimized leaf performance, and gave us insights into evolutionary drivers of plant metabolism in various environments. With the increasing pressure to improve agricultural performance in current and future climates, these models have become important tools to improve our understanding of plant–environment interactions and to propel plant breeders efforts. This overview article reviews applications of large-scale metabolic models of leaf metabolism to study plant–environment interactions by means of flux-balance analysis. The presented studies are organized in two ways — by the way the environment interactions are modelled — via external constraints or data-integration and by the studied environmental interactions — abiotic or biotic.
The search for RNA-binding proteins: a technical and interdisciplinary challenge
Authors: Smith Jeffrey M. , Sandow Jarrod J. , Webb Andrew I.
Published: January 2021

RNA-binding proteins are customarily regarded as important facilitators of gene expression. In recent years, RNA–protein interactions have also emerged as a pervasive force in the regulation of homeostasis. The compendium of proteins with provable RNA-binding function has swelled from the hundreds to the thousands astride the partnership of mass spectrometry-based proteomics and RNA sequencing. At the foundation of these advances is the adaptation of RNA-centric capture methods that can extract bound protein that has been cross-linked in its native environment. These methods reveal snapshots in time displaying an extensive network of regulation and a wealth of data that can be used for both the discovery of RNA-binding function and the molecular interfaces at which these interactions occur. This review will focus on the impact of these developments on our broader perception of post-transcriptional regulation, and how the technical features of current capture methods, as applied in mammalian systems, create a challenging medium for interpretation by systems biologists and target validation by experimental researchers.
Pore-forming toxins in infection and immunity
Authors: Verma Pratima , Gandhi Shraddha , Lata Kusum , Chattopadhyay Kausik
Published: January 2021

The integrity of the plasma membranes is extremely crucial for the survival and proper functioning of the cells. Organisms from all kingdoms of life employ specialized pore-forming proteins and toxins (PFPs and PFTs) that perforate cell membranes, and cause detrimental effects. PFPs/PFTs exert their damaging actions by forming oligomeric pores in the membrane lipid bilayer. PFPs/PFTs play important roles in diverse biological processes. Many pathogenic bacteria secrete PFTs for executing their virulence mechanisms. The immune system of the higher vertebrates employs PFPs to kill pathogen-infected cells and transformed cancer cells. The most obvious consequence of membrane pore-formation by the PFPs/PFTs is the killing of the target cells due to the disruption of the permeability barrier function of the plasma membranes. PFPs/PFTs can also activate diverse cellular processes that include activation of the stress-response pathways, induction of programmed cell death, and inflammation. Upon attack by the PFTs, host cells may also activate pathways to repair the injured membranes, restore cellular homeostasis, and trigger inflammatory immune responses. In this article, we present an overview of the diverse cellular responses that are triggered by the PFPs/PFTs, and their implications in the process of pathogen infection and immunity.
DNA hybridisation kinetics using single-molecule fluorescence imaging
Authors: Andrews Rebecca
Published: January 2021

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hybridisation plays a key role in many biological processes and nucleic acid biotechnologies, yet surprisingly there are many aspects about the process which are still unknown. Prior to the invention of single-molecule microscopy, DNA hybridisation experiments were conducted at the ensemble level, and thus it was impossible to directly observe individual hybridisation events and understand fully the kinetics of DNA hybridisation. In this mini-review, recent single-molecule fluorescence-based studies of DNA hybridisation are discussed, particularly for short nucleic acids, to gain more insight into the kinetics of DNA hybridisation. As well as looking at single-molecule studies of intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting DNA hybridisation kinetics, the influence of the methods used to detect hybridisation of single DNAs is considered. Understanding the kinetics of DNA hybridisation not only gives insight into an important biological process but also allows for further advancements in the growing field of nucleic acid biotechnology.
A synthetic exponentially weighted moving average control chart to monitor process median based on ranked set sampling
Authors: Ng Jing Wen , Wong Voon Hee , Pang Sook Theng
Published: January 2021

Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) control charts yield insights into data in a way more comprehensible to the practitioners and researchers because of its capability in discovering small to moderate process mean shifts. EWMA control chart is incorporated with conforming run length (CRL) chart, named synthetic EWMA chart, to enhance the performance of the chart in detecting the out-of-control signal. Synthetic EWMA chart based on ranked set sampling (RSS) for monitoring process mean has been proposed as it advanced the detection of chart over a series of mean shifts. With the situation that normality assumption is scarcely attain in practice, we proposed synthetic EWMA median chart based on RSS. Rather than select average run length (ARL) as sole performance evaluating tool, the median and percentiles of run-length distribution are used to examine the performance of the proposed chart as it provides more information on the entire run-length distribution. Near-optimal parameters of the proposed chart will be acquired by setting the incontrol ARL at a designated value. The run length performances of the proposed chart are then compared with the existing charts such as EWMA median chart based on RSS.
Change detection in non-stationary Hawkes processes through sequential testing
Authors: Bhaduri Moinak , Rangan Dhruva , Balaji Anurag
Published: January 2021

Detecting changes in an incoming data flow is immensely crucial for understanding inherent dependencies, formulating new or adapting existing policies, and anticipating further changes. Distinct modeling constructs have triggered varied ways of detecting such changes, almost every one of which gives in to certain shortcomings. Parametric models based on time series objects, for instance, work well under distributional assumptions or when change detection in specific properties - such as mean, variance, trend, etc. are of interest. Others rely heavily on the “at most one change-point” assumption, and implementing binary segmentation to discover subsequent changes comes at a hefty computational cost. This work offers an alternative that remains both versatile and untethered to such stifling constraints. Detection is done through a sequence of tests with variations to certain trend permuted statistics. We study non-stationary Hawkes patterns which, with an underlying stochastic intensity, imply a natural branching process structure. Our proposals are shown to estimate changes efficiently in both the immigrant and the offspring intensity without sounding too many false positives. Comparisons with established competitors reveal smaller Hausdorff-based estimation errors, desirable inferential properties such as asymptotic consistency and narrower bootstrapped margins. Four real data sets on NASDAQ price movements, crude oil prices, tsunami occurrences, and COVID-19 infections have been analyzed. Forecasting methods are also touched upon.
Statistical modelling of extreme rainfall in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Tan Wei Lun , Liew Woon Shean , Ling Lloyd
Published: January 2021

Flash floods are known as one of the common natural disasters that cost over billions of Ringgit Malaysia throughout history. Academically, an extreme rainfall model is effective in modelling to predict and prevent the occurrence of flash floods. This paper compares four probability distributions, namely, exponential distribution, generalized extreme value distribution, gamma distribution, and Weibull distribution, with the rainfall data of 10 stations in peninsular Malaysia. The period of the data is from 1975 to 2008. The comparison is based on the descriptive and predictive analytics of the models. The determination of the most effective model is through Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Anderson-Darling, and chi-square test. The result shows that generalized extreme value is the most preferred extreme rainfall model for the rainfall cases in Peninsular Malaysia.
Privacy-preserving healthcare informatics: a review
Authors: Chong Kah Meng
Published: January 2021

Electronic Health Record (EHR) is the key to an efficient healthcare service delivery system. The publication of healthcare data is highly beneficial to healthcare industries and government institutions to support a variety of medical and census research. However, healthcare data contains sensitive information of patients and the publication of such data could lead to unintended privacy disclosures. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art privacy-enhancing methods that ensure a secure healthcare data sharing environment. We focus on the recently proposed schemes based on data anonymization and differential privacy approaches in the protection of healthcare data privacy. We highlight the strengths and limitations of the two approaches and discussed some promising future research directions in this area.
Effect of different lapping orders on mechanical performance and nugget forming process for three-sheet dissimilar resistance spot welding joints between DC06 and unequal-thickness hot-stamped B1500HS steel sheets
Authors: Mao Xin , Cheng Zhi , Zhu Qiang , Wang Wurong , Wei Xicheng , Zhao Yangyang
Published: January 2021

In this study, the mechanical properties of two welded joints under different lapping orders (B1500HS-1.4 mm/B1500HS-1.6 mm/DC06, denoted as type I; B1500HS-1.4 mm/DC06/B1500HS-1.6 mm, denoted type II) were compared. The nugget formation mechanism was analysed by a coupled electrical-thermal finite element model (FEM). It is found that different lapping orders significantly affect the mechanical properties of three-sheet RSW joints. All RSW joints tend to fail in the pull-out or tearing failure mode. The peak load of the two interfaces of type II RSW joint is more balanced, and the failure load of which is much higher than that of the type I RSW joint; The warpage was observed at type I welded joint. Considered the load-carrying capacity, type II was excellent. The simulation results indicate that the diameter of the weld nugget at the upper interface of the type I RSW joint was larger than that on the other interfaces, which agree well with the experimental results. The nugget formation mechanism of dissimilar high strength steel three-sheet RSW joint was obtained that forming the nugget firstly from two interfaces and final formed nuggets were asymmetric.
Wie hoch ist die optimale Mindestmenge für die Behandlung
Frühgeborener mit einem Geburtsgewicht unter 1250 g in
Deutschland?
Authors: Heller Günther , Schnell Rainer , Rossi Rainer , Thomas Teresa , Maier Rolf F.
Published: January 2021

Einleitung Zahlreiche Studien haben einen Zusammenhang zwischen
Fallzahl und Ergebnissen bei der Versorgung von Frühgeborenen mit
sehr niedrigem Geburtsgewicht untersucht. Allerdings existieren keine
Veröffentlichungen zur Frage, ob ein Schwellenwert mit einem
optimalen Effekt nach Einführung einer Mindestmenge identifiziert
werden kann

Methoden Datengrundlage bilden die auf www.perinatalzentren.org
veröffentlichten Daten von über 56 000
Frühgeborenen mit einem Geburtsgewicht < 1250 g
(FG<1250), die in Perinatalzentren Level 1 von 2010 bis 2018
behandelt wurden. Potentiell vermeidbare Todesfälle bei
Einführung von Mindestmengen wurden errechnet, indem beobachtete und
erwartete Todesfälle auf Basis von logistischen
Regressionsgleichungen für alle empirisch besetzten Fallzahlen von
Perinatalzentren in Beziehung gesetzt wurden. Verschiedene
Glättungsfunktionen wurden genutzt, um mögliche
Schwellenwerte zu ermitteln.

Ergebnisse Unabhängig vom Analysezeitraum und den
Glättungsmethoden zeigte sich die höchste Anzahl potentiell
vermeidbarer Todesfälle bei 50–60 FG<1250 pro Jahr.
Würde eine Mindestmenge von 50 FG<1250 ohne
Übergangsphase eingeführt, verblieben ein Viertel der
Perinatalzentren Level 1. Etwa 60% aller FG<1250
müssten umverteilt werden.

Schlussfolgerung In Vorbereitung zur Einführung einer
optimalen Mindestmenge scheinen Analysen zur regionalen Erreichbarkeit
notwendig. Dabei sollten Zentren berücksichtigt werden, von denen
erwartet werden kann, dass sie durch sekundäre Umverteilungen die
Mindestmenge künftig erreichen werden.
Catalytic Activation of a Carbon–Chloride Bond by Dicationic Tellurium-Based Chalcogen Bond Donors
Authors: Huber Stefan M. , Steinke Tim , Wonner Patrick , Engelage Elric
Published: January 2021

Noncovalent interactions such as halogen bonding (XB) and chalcogen bonding (ChB) have gained increased interest over the last decade. Whereas XB-based organocatalysis has been studied in some detail by now, intermolecular ChB catalysis only emerged quite recently. Herein, bidentate cationic tellurium-based chalcogen bond donors are employed in the catalytic chloride abstraction of 1-chloroisochroman. While selenium-based ChB catalysts showed only minor activity in this given benchmark reaction, tellurium-based variants exhibited strong activity, with rate accelerations of up to 40 relative to non-chalogenated reference compounds. In general, the activity of the catalysts improved with weaker coordinating counterions, but tetrafluoroborate took part in a fluoride transfer side reaction. Catalyst stability was confirmed via a fluoro-tagged variant.
Silyl Cyanopalladate-Catalyzed Friedel–Crafts-Type Cyclization Affording 3-Aryloxindole Derivatives
Authors: Yurino Taiga , Ohkuma Takeshi , Ece Hamdiye , Tange Yuji
Published: January 2021

3-Aryloxindole derivatives were synthesized through a Friedel–Crafts-type cyclization. The reaction was catalyzed by a trimethylsilyl tricyanopalladate complex generated in situ from trimethylsilyl cyanide and Pd(OAc)2. Wide varieties of diethyl phosphates derived from N-arylmandelamides were converted almost quantitatively into oxindoles. When N,N-dibenzylamide was used instead of an anilide substrate, a benzo-fused δ-lactam was obtained. An oxindole product was subjected to substitution reactions to afford 3,3-diaryloxindoles with two different aryl groups.
Validity of Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 score as an Outcome Predictor in Pediatric ICU of a Public Sector Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Mazhar Muhammad Bilal , Hamid Muhammad Haroon
Published: January 2021

Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (PIM-2) is one of the leading mortality scores used in intensive care units all around the world. We assessed its validity as an outcome predictor in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Mayo Hospital/King Edward Medical University Lahore, Pakistan. We enrolled 154 consecutive admissions, aged 1 month to 13 years, requiring intensive care from January to June of 2019. Patient demographics along with PIM-2 data were collected; PIM-2 score and mortality risk was calculated; and the outcome recorded as death or survival. The median age at admission was 0.50 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.24–1.78) and the median weight was 5.0 kg (IQR: 3.08–10.0) with females constituting 54%; malnutrition was also common (66%). Observed mortality was 29.9% (46 out of 154) and expected mortality (cut-off ≥ 99.8%) was 27.9% with a standardized mortality ratio of 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79–1.41). Sepsis was the most common diagnosis at admission (27.9%) with the highest mortality (52.2%). Chi-square analysis revealed a sensitivity of 54.3% and a specificity of 83.3% (p-value 0.00). PIM-2 score showed acceptable discrimination between survivors and nonsurvivors with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.67–0.84) (p-value = 0.00); however, poor calibration according to Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test (Chi-square = 15.80, df = 7, and p-value of 0.027 [< 0.1]), thus requiring recalibration according to local population characteristics.
The Changing Pattern of the Quantum of Biomedical Waste Generated from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Delhi
Authors: Achra Arvind , Mahajan Rakesh Kumar , Sahoo Sambit
Published: January 2021

Background As a consequence of growth and advancement in health care, production of health care waste has seen an exponential upward trend. Waste from individual health care facilities can vary based on the nature and scope of health care services they provide.

Objectives To analyze the amount of biomedical waste generated by a tertiary care hospital.

Methods Biomedical waste generated by the hospital from 2005 to 2019 was quantified and analyzed to calculate the total amount of incinerable waste, recyclable plastic waste, and sharp and glass waste. The amount of waste generated per bed per day and the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) were also calculated.

Results The total amount of biomedical waste generated in 2005 was 65,658 kg, which has substantially increased to 374,712 kg in 2019, with a CAGR of 12.5%. The hospital was producing average biomedical waste of 0.179 kg/bed/day in 2005, which has increased four times in 2019 to reach 0.709 kg/bed/day. The overall estimated plastic waste was 31% of the total biomedical waste in 2005 and 53% in 2019.

Conclusion The generation of biomedical waste is likely to see significant upward trends unless diligent deliberations are held between different stakeholders in regard to the reintroduction of reusable materials and waste reduction strategies.