bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effective biofilm control in a membrane biofilm reactor using a quenching bacterium (Rhodococcus sp. BH4)
Authors: Taşkan Banu , Hasar Halil , Lee Chung‐Hak 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe biofilm thickness in membrane biofilm reactors (MBfRs) is an important factor affecting system performance because excessive biofilm formation on the membrane surface inhibits gas diffusion to the interior of the biofilm, resulting in a significant reduction in the performance of contaminant removal. This study provides innovative insights into the control of biofilm thickness in O2‐based MBfRs by using the quorum quenching (QQ) method. The study was carried out in MBfRs operated at different gas pressures and hydraulic retention times (HRTs) using QQ beads containing Rhodococcus sp. BH4 at different amounts. The highest performance was observed in reactors operated with 0.21 ml QQ bead/cm2 membrane surface area, 12 HRTs and 1.40 atm. Over this period, the performance increase in chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was 25%, while the biofilm thickness on the membrane surface was determined to be 250 μm. Moreover, acetate and equivalent oxygen flux results reached 6080 and 10 640 mg·m−2·d−1 maximum values, respectively. The extracellular polymeric substances of the biofilm decreased significantly with the increase of gas pressure and QQ beads amount. Polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis results showed that the microbial community in the MBfR system changed depending on operating conditions and bead amount. The results showed that the QQ method was an effective method to control the biofilm thickness in MBfR and provide insights for future research.
Immediate and delayed autologous abdominal microvascular flap breast reconstruction in patients receiving adjuvant, neoadjuvant or no radiotherapy: a meta-analysis of clinical and quality-of-life outcomes
Authors: Khajuria A , Charles W N , Prokopenko M , Beswick A , Pusic A L , Mosahebi A , Dodwell D J , Winters Z E 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Effects of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) on autologous breast reconstruction (BRR) are controversial regarding surgical complications, cosmetic appearance and quality of life (QOL). This systematic review evaluated these outcomes after abdominal free flap reconstruction in patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (PMRT), preoperative radiotherapy (neoadjuvant radiotherapy) and no radiotherapy, aiming to establish evidence-based optimal timings for radiotherapy and BRR to guide contemporary management.

Methods
The study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017077945). Embase, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, CENTRAL, Science Citation Index and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched (January 2000 to August 2018). Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using GRADE and Cochrane's ROBINS-I respectively.

Results
Some 12 studies were identified, involving 1756 patients (350 PMRT, 683 no radiotherapy and 723 neoadjuvant radiotherapy), with a mean follow-up of 27·1 (range 12·0–54·0) months for those having PMRT, 16·8 (1·0–50·3) months for neoadjuvant radiotherapy, and 18·3 (1·0–48·7) months for no radiotherapy. Three prospective and nine retrospective cohorts were included. There were no randomized studies. Five comparative radiotherapy studies evaluated PMRT and four assessed neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Studies were of low quality, with moderate to serious risk of bias. Severe complications were similar between the groups: PMRT versus no radiotherapy (92 versus 141 patients respectively; odds ratio (OR) 2·35, 95 per cent c.i. 0·63 to 8·81, P = 0·200); neoadjuvant radiotherapy versus no radiotherapy (180 versus 392 patients; OR 1·24, 0·76 to 2·04, P = 0·390); and combined PMRT plus neoadjuvant radiotherapy versus no radiotherapy (272 versus 453 patients; OR 1·38, 0·83 to 2·32, P = 0·220). QOL and cosmetic studies used inconsistent methodologies.

Conclusion
Evidence is conflicting and study quality was poor, limiting recommendations for the timing of autologous BRR and radiotherapy. The impact of PMRT and neoadjuvant radiotherapy appeared to be similar.
Combined treatment with N‐acetylcysteine and gefitinib overcomes drug resistance to gefitinib in NSCLC cell line
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Xiao‐Hui , Hu Jing , Shi Meng , Zhang Lu , Chen Hong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe aimed to explore the molecular substrate underlying EGFR‐TKI resistance and investigate the effects of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on reversing EGFR‐TKI resistance. In the current research, the effects of NAC in combination with gefitinib on reversing gefitinib resistance were examined using CCK‐8 assay, combination index (CI) method, matrigel invasion assay, wound‐healing assay, flow cytometry, western blot, and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). CCK8 assay showed that NAC plus gefitinib combination overcame EGFR‐TKI resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by lowering the value of half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). CI calculations demonstrated a synergistic effect between the two drugs (CI < 1). Matrigel invasion assay and wound healing assay demonstrated a decrease in migration and invasion ability of PC‐9/GR cells after NAC and gefitinib treatment. Flow cytometry displayed enhanced apoptosis in the combination group. Western blot and qRT‐PCR revealed that increased E‐cadherin and decreased vimentin in the combination group. When PP2 was administered with gefitinib, the same effects were seen. Our findings suggest that NAC could restore the sensitivity of gefitinib‐resistant NSCLC cells to gefitinib via suppressing Src activation and reversing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition.
LncRNA TDRG1/miR‐214‐5p axis affects preeclampsia by modulating trophoblast cells
Authors: Gong Fengyan , Cheng Huiyan , Shi Yuee , Cui Lifeng , Jia Guifeng 
Published: December 2019

Because of limited treatment options, preeclampsia (PE) is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, lncRNA TDRG1 is reported to be aberrantly down‐regulated in PE placenta, and the abnormal expression of TDRG1 might play a key or partial role in PE development. In this study, we found that TDRG1 was significantly down‐regulated in PE placenta compared with the normal placenta. The cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle were explored by CCK‐8, wound‐healing, transwell, and flow cytometer assay, respectively. Experimental results showed that TDRG1 accelerated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays confirmed that TDRG1 could bind to miR‐214‐5p. Besides, knockdown of TDRG1 suppressed the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while knockdown of miR‐214‐5p reversed the effect. Jagged1 and Notch1 were negatively regulated by miR‐214‐5p while positively modulated by TDRG1. In conclusion, TDRG1 promoted trophoblast cells viability and invasion by negatively regulating miR‐214‐5p expression, contributing to a better understanding of PE pathogenesis and providing new light on TDRG1‐directed diagnosis and treatment.Significance of the studyIn this work, we observed that TDRG1 was able to promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion cells by suppressing the expression of miR‐214‐5p and regulating the Notch signalling pathway in trophoblast cells. As far as we know, the effect of TDRG1/miR‐214‐5p axis on cell viability, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells was firstly introduced. Our findings provided a better understanding of the mechanism of PE. Moreover, it is reasonable to believe that TDRG1 may be employed as a strategy to treat PE in the future.
Effects of neural stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles on neuronal protection and functional recovery in the rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Mahdavipour Marzieh , Hassanzadeh Gholamreza , Seifali Elham , Mortezaee Keywan , Aligholi Hadi , Shekari Faezeh , Sarkoohi Parisa , Zeraatpisheh Zahra , Nazari Abdoreza , Movassaghi Shabnam , Akbari Mohammad 
Published: December 2019

Stroke imposes a long‐term neurological disability with limited effective treatments available for neuronal recovery. Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) is reported to improve functional outcomes in the animal models of brain ischemia. However, the use of cell therapy is accompanied by adverse effects, so research is growing to use cell‐free extracts such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) for targeting brain diseases. In the current study, male Wistar albino rats (20 months old) were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Then, EVs (30 μg) were injected at 2 hours after stroke onset via an intracerebroventricular (ICV) route. Measurements were done at day 7 post‐MCAO. EVs administration reduced lesion volume and steadily improved spontaneous locomotor activity. EVs administration also reduced microgliosis (ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)+ cells) and apoptotic (terminal‐deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labelling [TUNEL]) positive cells and increased neuronal survival (neuronal nuclear (NeuN)+ cells) in the ischemic boundary zone (IBZ). However, it had no effect on neurogenesis within the sub‐ventricular zone (SVZ) but decreased cellular migration toward the IBZ (doublecortin (DCX)+ cells). The results of this study showed neuroprotective and restorative mechanisms of NSC‐EVs administration, which may offer new avenues for therapeutic intervention of brain ischemia.Significance of the studyBased on our results, EVs administration can effectively reduce microglial density and neuronal apoptosis, thereby steadily improves functional recovery after MCAO. These findings provide the beneficial effect of NSC‐EVs as a new biological treatment for stroke.
Strategies To Design and Synthesize Polymer‐Based Stimuli‐Responsive Drug‐Delivery Nanosystems
Authors: Qin Xing , Li Yongsheng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe emergence and development of nanomedicine have alleviated problems existing in traditional chemotherapy drugs, such as short lifetime, concomitant side effects, and weak tumor‐targeting capability. Nevertheless, the further applications of drug‐loaded nanocarriers are still limited by their premature leakage, weak targeting capability, and insufficient intracellular release. In past decades, various nanocarriers, including gold nanoparticles, porous silica nanoparticles, carbon‐based nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, and polymer–drug conjugates, have been intensively investigated for tumor therapy. Among these, polymer‐based nanocarriers have attracted more attention due to their biocompatibilities and capability of being modified for stimuli‐responsive drug release. In this review, three popular strategies to design and synthesize polymer‐based stimuli‐responsive nanocarriers are discussed. The discussion goes from stimuli‐responsive polymers with responsive backbones or modified by responsive functional groups for drug encapsulation and release to polymer–drug conjugates with responsive covalent linkages. In particular, due to the facile synthetic processes and mild reaction conditions for crosslinked structures, the latest progress in responsive crosslinked structures is emphasized. Finally, future perspectives for these nanomaterials are given, which are expected to provide inspiration for researchers to design more effective and safer tumor‐killing nanomedicines.
CCN5 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Sun Shiqun , Cui Zhi , Yan Tongtong , Wu Jian , Liu Zhihui 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common cancer with poor prognosis and high mortality. The role of CCN5 has attracted a great focus on the regulation of cancer progression. However, the biological function and mechanism of CCN5 in OSCC are still not well elucidated. The current study was designed to determine the effects of CCN5 on OSCC cell proliferation and apoptosis using two OSCC cell lines. Further, LY294002, a PI3K/AKT antagonist, was employed to explore the mechanism underlying the effects of CCN5 in the regulation of OSCC. The results showed that overexpression of CCN5 in TSCCa cells significantly reduced viable cell number, arrested cell cycle, and suppressed cell‐cycle regulators (cyclin D1, cyclin E, and CDK2). CCN5 overexpression increased the apoptotic ratio and Hoechst‐positive cell number, and altered the apoptotic‐related proteins (caspase‐3/9, Bax, and Bcl‐2). However, CCN5 silencing induced opposite effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis in Tca‐8113 cells. In addition, we observed that CCN5 knockdown increased the expression levels of PI3K (p85α and p110α) and phosphorylated AKT at serine 473 (p‐AKT Ser473) in Tca‐8113 cells. Inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling with LY294002 rescued the apoptotic process in CCN5‐silenced OSCC cells. Finally, xenograft analysis showed that CCN5 represses tumorigenesis of OSCC cells. These findings together suggest that CCN5 functions as a tumor suppressor for OSCC cell development through inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, providing a potential candidate for OSCC therapy.
Small Sequence‐Sensitive Compounds for Specific Recognition of the G⋅C Base Pair in DNA Minor Groove
Authors: Farahat Abdelbasset A. , Guo Pu , Shoeib Hadir , Paul Ananya , Boykin David W. , Wilson W. David 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA series of small diamidines with thiophene and modified N‐alkylbenzimidazole σ‐hole module represent specific binding to single G⋅C base pair (bp) DNA sequence. The variation of N‐alkyl or aromatic rings were sensitive to microstructures of the DNA minor groove. Thirteen new compounds were synthesized to test their binding affinity and selectivity. The dicyanobenzimidazoles needed to synthesize the target diamidines were made via condensation/cyclization reactions of different aldehydes with different 3‐amino‐4‐(alkyl‐ or phenyl‐amino) benzonitriles. The final diamidines were synthesized using lithium bis‐trimethylsilylamide (LiN[Si(CH3)3]2) or Pinner methods. The newly synthesized compounds showed strong binding and selectivity to AAAGTTT compared to similar sequences AAATTT and AAAGCTTT investigated by several biophysical methods including biosensor‐SPR, fluorescence spectroscopy, DNA thermal melting, ESI‐MS spectrometry, circular dichroism, and molecular dynamics. The binding affinity results determined by fluorescence spectroscopy are in accordance with those obtained by biosensor‐SPR. These small size single G⋅C bp highly specific binders extend the compound database for future biological applications.
Electronic Properties of Oxidized Cyclometalated Diiridium Complexes: Spin Delocalization Controlled by the Mutual Position of the Iridium Centers
Authors: Hu Yu Xuan , Zhang Jing , Zhang Fangfang , Wang Xiaoyan , Yin Jun , Hartl František , Liu Sheng Hua 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFour cyclometalated diiridium complexes, with IrCp*Cl (Cp*=η5‐C5Me5−) termini bridged by 1,4‐ and 1,3‐bis(p‐tolyliminoethyl)benzene (1, 2), or 1,4‐ and 1,3‐bis(2‐pyridyl)benzene (3, 4), were prepared and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (complexes 1, 2, and 4). The two iridium centers in complexes 1 and 3 are thus bound at the central benzene ring in the para‐position (trans‐Ir2), whereas those in complexes 2 and 4 are in the meta‐position (cis‐Ir2). Cyclic voltammograms of all four complexes show two consecutive one‐electron oxidations. The potential difference between the two anodic steps in 1 and 3 is distinctly larger than that for 2 and 4. The visible–near‐infrared (NIR)–short‐wave infrared (SWIR) absorption spectra of trans‐Ir2 monocations 1+ and 3+ are markedly different from those of cis‐Ir2 monocations 2+ and 4+. Notably, strong near‐infrared electronic absorption appears only in the spectra of 1+ and 3+ whereas 2+ and 4+ absorb only weakly in the NIR‐SWIR region. Combined DFT and TD‐DFT calculations have revealed that (a) 1+ and 3+ (the diiridium‐benzene trans‐isomers) display the highest occupied spin‐orbitals (HOSO) and the lowest unoccupied spin‐orbital (LUSO) evenly delocalized over both molecule halves, and (b) their electronic absorptions in the NIR‐SWIR region are attributed to mixed metal‐to‐ligand and ligand‐to‐ligand charge transfers (MLCT and LLCT). In contrast, cis‐isomers 2+ and 4+ do not feature this stabilizing π‐delocalization but a localized mixed‐valence state showing a weak intervalence charge‐transfer (IVCT) absorption in the SWIR region.
Multi‐Color Photoluminescence Based on Mechanically and Thermally Induced Liquid‐Crystalline Phase Transitions of a Hydrogen‐Bonded Benzodithiophene Derivative
Authors: Seki Atsushi , Yoshio Masafumi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractControlling assembled structures of π‐conjugated liquid‐crystalline molecules is of great interest in the development of stimuli‐responsive luminescent materials due to their molecular motility in the ordered states. Herein, we describe a mechanoresponsive hydrogen‐bonded benzodithiophene liquid‐crystalline molecule that exhibits a tricolor photoluminescence switching at ambient temperature. The compound shows a shear‐induced phase transition from a rectangular columnar to a metastable optically anisotropic mesophase, which is accompanied by the luminescent color change from yellow to sky‐blue. The metastable mesophase exhibits a time‐responsive transformation to another metastable mesophase showing a blue‐green emission through isothermal aging at room temperature. The luminescent color of aged sample reverts back to the initial yellow color by thermal annealing at 150 °C. These dynamic structural changes accompanied by the emission color changes are governed by distinct π‐stacking modes and hydrogen‐bonded patterns. The shear‐induced luminescent color change from yellow to blue is found to occur above the shear strain of 390 % at which the shear stress is 2.4×105 Pa as determined from dynamic viscoelastic measurements.
Design and ex vivo characterization of narrow implants with custom piezo‐activated osteotomy for patients with substantial bone loss
Authors: Wirz Holger , Teufelhart Stefan , McBeth Christine , Gyurko Robert , Dibart Serge , Sauer‐Budge Alexis 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveBone augmentation delays implant placement and increases risks due to additional surgeries. Implant systems compatible with reduced alveolar bone volume are required. To design, manufacture, and test a non‐cylindrical dental implant system using piezotomes and custom‐designed matching titanium mini‐implants to address the needs of patients with missing teeth and narrow jawbone.Materials and methodsTapered mini‐implants with a rectangular cross‐section (4.6 mm × 2.1 mm) were machined with dimensions that could accommodate narrow alveolar ridges. The performance of the implants were tested in both static and fatigue cycle 30° compression tests. Tapered, rectangular cutting tools that matched the overall trapezoidal morphology of the implant were also designed. These novel tools were engineered to be compatible with commercially available piezoelectric osteotomes. Tools were optimized using finite element analysis and were manufactured accordingly and were used by a periodontal surgery team in a pork rib bone model to monitor utility of the device and ease of use.ResultsThe rectangular design of the implant allows for a full occlusal load due to the larger implant flexural rigidity compared to a similar diameter mini‐implant with a standard cylindrical design. During 30° compression fatigue tests, the implant tested at 340 N did not fail after 5M cycles as shown in Kaplan‐Meier survival curves. Finite element analysis allowed for functional optimization of the roughing and finishing tools. In the pork rib model, these tools successfully cut trapezoidal holes that matched the dimensions of the implant.ConclusionsThe implant system here demonstrates the feasibility of a mini‐implant system that has superior flexural rigidity and potentially circumvents the need for patient bone augmentation.
Critical analysis of information about integrated management systems and environmental policy on the Portuguese firms' website, towards sustainable development
Authors: Carvalho Filipe , Santos Gilberto , Gonçalves Joaquim 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe aim of this work was to determine the nature of the content that is often disseminated and the profile of a typical Portuguese firm which disseminates information on integrated management systems (IMS), environmental policy, corporate sustainability (CS), and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on its corporate website, towards sustainable development. The investigation consists of an exploratory analysis of 523 firms' websites that were certified by 2011, under the quality (ISO 9001), environment (ISO 14001), and occupational health and safety (OHSAS 18001) management systems. Four hundred twenty‐two firms from the overall population constitute a sample (n). The research method was based on the technique of content analysis, which allowed quantifying the contents of the information disclosed on the firm's website by category and subcategories of analysis. A holistic view on the size of the content available on the firm's website was determined using the index of information disclosure (IIDIMS/CS/CSR). As main findings, we can highlight management systems having been reported by 388 (91.9%) firms; quality management system, having been reported by 360 (85.3%) firms; environmental management system that contains environmental policy having been reported by 337 (79.9%) firms; and occupational health and safety management systems, which were disclosed by 332 (78.7%) firms. Another important finding is that disclosure of information on IMS/CS/CSR, on certified firms' website QEOHS, is more prominent when the dimension (size) of the firm is greater and when the legal form (structure) of the firm is a corporation.In terms of theoretical assumptions to the contribution to the knowledge, it can be highlighted the mathematical foundation of the IID for IMS that was developed.
FPGA‐based implementation of single‐phase seven‐level quasi‐Z‐source inverter
Authors: Rahul Jammy Ramesh , Annamalai Kirubakaran 
Published: December 2019

SummaryIn this paper, a new single‐phase seven‐level quasi‐Z‐source (qZs) inverter with reduced switch count for multistring photovoltaic applications is proposed, which is capable of supplying both direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac) loads simultaneously. The proposed configuration is derived from a combination of qZs networks and asymmetrical seven‐level inverter. The front‐end qZs converter boosts the input voltage obtained from the dc sources to the desired value, whereas the asymmetrical seven‐level inverter performs dc‐ac conversion with reduced switch count and provides better efficiency. The steady‐state performance of the model is evaluated in both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) of operation. In addition, the dynamic performance of the model is tested for the load as well as input voltage changes. A simple proportional‐integral (PI) controller is implemented in FPGA Spartan‐6 Processor using Xilinx system generator blocks. An experimental prototype is also developed to validate the feasibility of the proposed topology. Finally, a brief comparative assessment is formulated with other topologies to show the merits of the proposed structure.