bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteolytic and nonproteolytic activation mechanisms result in conformationally and functionally different forms of coagulation factor XIII A
Authors: Anokhin Boris A. , Dean William L. , Smith Kerrie A. , Flick Matthew J. , Ariëns Robert A. S. , Philippou Helen , Maurer Muriel C. 
Published: August 2019

Factor XIIIA (FXIIIA) is a transglutaminase that cross‐links intra‐ and extracellular protein substrates. FXIIIA is expressed as an inactive zymogen, and during blood coagulation, it is activated by removal of an activation peptide by the protease thrombin. No such proteolytic FXIIIA activation is known to occur in other tissues or the intracellular form of FXIIIA. For those locations, FXIIIA is assumed instead to undergo activation by Ca2+ ions. Previously, we demonstrated a monomeric state for active FXIIIA. Current analytical ultracentrifugation and kinetic experiments revealed that thrombin‐activated FXIIIA has a higher conformational flexibility and a stronger affinity toward glutamine substrate than does nonproteolytically activated FXIIIA. The proteolytic activation of FXIIIA was further investigated in a context of fibrin clotting. In a series of fibrin cross‐linking assays and scanning electron microscopy studies of plasma clots, the activation rates of FXIIIA V34X variants were correlated with the extent of fibrin cross‐linking and incorporation of nonfibrous protein into the clot. Overall, the results suggest conformational and functional differences between active FXIIIA forms, thus expanding the understanding of FXIIIA function. Those differences may serve as a basis for developing therapeutic strategies to target FXIIIA in different physiological environments.EnzymesFactor XIIIA ( EC 2.3.2.13)
The carrying capacity for species richness
Authors: Storch David , Okie Jordan G. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe idea that the number of species within an area is limited by a specific capacity of that area to host species is old yet controversial. Here, we show that the concept of carrying capacity for species richness can be as useful as the analogous concept in population biology. Many lines of empirical evidence indicate the existence of limits of species richness, at least at large spatial and phylogenetic scales. However, available evidence does not support the idea of diversity limits based on limited niche space; instead, carrying capacity should be understood as a stable equilibrium of biodiversity dynamics driven by diversity‐dependent processes of extinction, speciation and/or colonization. We argue that such stable equilibria exist even if not all resources are used and if increasing species richness increases the ability of a community to use resources. Evaluating the various theoretical approaches to modelling diversity dynamics, we conclude that a fruitful approach for macroecology and biodiversity science is to develop theory that assumes that the key mechanism leading to stable diversity equilibria is the negative diversity dependence of per‐species extinction rates, driven by the fact that population sizes of species must decrease with an increasing number of species owing to limited energy availability. The recently proposed equilibrium theory of biodiversity dynamics is an example of such a theory, which predicts that equilibrium species richness (i.e., carrying capacity) is determined by the interplay of the total amount of available resources, the ability of communities to use those resources, environmental stability that affects extinction rates, and the factors that affect speciation and colonization rates. We argue that the diversity equilibria resulting from these biodiversity dynamics are first‐order drivers of large‐scale biodiversity patterns, such as the latitudinal diversity gradient.
From organised anarchy to de‐coupled bureaucracy: The transformation of university organisation
Authors: Maassen Peter , Stensaker Bjørn 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBased on key governance and organisational characteristics from the 1970s universities have been conceptualised as organised anarchies and loosely coupled systems. More recently, a number of studies have argued that universities have been changing their internal governance and organisational structures leading to tighter vertical steering and the emergence of more integrated organisations. In this article, it is argued that while tighter vertical integration indeed might be observed, this does not necessarily imply greater horizontal integration in university organising as well. By drawing on case studies of five research‐intensive universities in five different countries, we discuss how strengthened hierarchical governance is driving increased organisational specialisation and professionalisation, but that this also may result in horizontal de‐coupling within universities. The article ends by a discussion of the positive and negative implications of coupled, de‐coupled and loosely coupled organisations.
Parenting and child behaviour as predictors of toothbrushing difficulties in young children
Authors: Berzinski Mikaela , Morawska Alina , Mitchell Amy E. , Baker Sabine 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundOral disease is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions affecting children. Twice‐daily toothbrushing is recommended to promote good oral health; however, a large proportion of Australian families are not meeting this recommendation.AimThis study aimed to identify important barriers to regular toothbrushing for young children.DesignIn this study, 239 parents of 0‐ to 4‐year‐old children completed an online survey that investigated child, family, and parent factors associated with child toothbrushing. Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify predictors of toothbrushing frequency in children and perceived difficulty of the task by parents.ResultsWe found that parent factors, specifically oral health knowledge, were the most significant predictors of toothbrushing frequency. Conversely, parent factors did not contribute significantly to the prediction of perceived difficulty of toothbrushing once family and child factors were taken into account. Oral health knowledge and use of routines were identified as the most important predictors of toothbrushing frequency, whereas resistant child behaviour and household organisation were found to be the most important predictors of perceived difficulty of regular toothbrushing.ConclusionsThe findings of the study have implications for behavioural interventions to support parents, as well as directions for future research.
The role of diffusion behavior on the formation and evolution of the core‐shell structure in BaTiO3‐based ceramics
Authors: Chen Cheng , Hao Hua , Cui Jingjing , Yu Cong , Tang Yingfei , Cao Minghe , Yao Zhonghua , Wan Baoquan , Liu Hanxing 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this work, the influence of starting particle size and sintering conditions on the microstructures and dielectric properties of BaTiO3‐based ceramics coated with 0.3Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3‐0.7BaTiO3 were investigated to reveal the core‐shell structure by using high resolution transmission electron microscopy technique coupled with energy‐dispersive spectrometer analysis. The ion‐diffusion behavior plays a critical role in the formation and evolution of the core‐shell structure and, therefore, significantly influences the dielectric properties. When using starting powders containing BaTiO3 particles larger than 100 nm in size and sintering for shorter dwelling times (0.5‐2.0 hours), a core‐shell structure could be formed and retained owing to the limited diffusion behavior, enabling BaTiO3‐based ceramics to meet the X8R specification for multilayer ceramic capacitors applications at high temperatures. However, when using 80 nm BaTiO3 nanopowders and further extending the dwelling time to 6.0 hours, more driving energy was provided to prompt ion diffusion, which led to the compositional inhomogeneity becoming homogenized.
Tildrakizumab efficacy and impact on quality of life up to 52 weeks in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis: a pooled analysis of two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Blauvelt A. , Sofen H. , Papp K. , Gooderham M. , Tyring S. , Zhao Y. , Lowry S. , Mendelsohn A. , Parno J. , Reich K. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundTwo randomized controlled trials (reSURFACE 1 and 2) have demonstrated the effectiveness of tildrakizumab, a high‐affinity, humanized, IgG1κ, anti‐interleukin‐23 monoclonal antibody, for treating moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis in the first 28 weeks.ObjectivesTo examine the efficacy of tildrakizumab and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in patients with different levels of week‐28 Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) improvement.MethodsPatients treated with tildrakizumab 100 mg or 200 mg from baseline to week 28 were pooled from reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2 and classified into five mutually exclusive week‐28 PASI improvement groups for each dose: PASI 0–49, 50–74, 75–89, 90–99 and 100. Mean PASI improvement and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) 0/1 over time were examined for each group.ResultsOf 1156 patients, 575 were in the 100‐mg and 578 in the 200‐mg cohorts, respectively. At week 28, 8.3%, 14.3%, 23.8%, 30.4% and 23.1% in the 100‐mg and 4.0%, 18.1%, 19.6%, 29.1% and 29.3% in the 200‐mg cohort achieved PASI < 50, 50–74, 75–89, 90–99 and 100, respectively. Patients with PASI < 50 at week 28 could be identified as early as week 8, and those with week‐28 PASI ≥ 90 had approximately 50% PASI improvement by week 4. Among patients achieving PASI > 50 at week 28 who continued the same dose of tildrakizumab to week 52, mean PASI improvement was maintained or improved over time. Similar results were observed for both doses. Higher proportions of patients achieved DLQI 0/1 in higher week‐28 PASI groups, and DLQI 0/1 was maintained or improved to week 52. However, not all patients with PASI 100 had DLQI 0/1.ConclusionPatients unlikely to respond to tildrakizumab could be identified by week 8, and those likely to achieve a PASI ≥ 90 response could be identified as early as week 4. Week‐28 PASI improvement level correlated with QoL improvement.
Characteristics of shared decision making in Romania from the patient perspective: A cross‐sectional multicentric study
Authors: Baicus Cristian , Balanescu Paul , Zeh Stefan , Oprisan Emilia , Lapadatu Rozalina , Gurghean Adriana , Padureanu Vlad , Rezus Ciprian , Mitu Florin , Jurcut Ruxandra , Balanescu Andra Rodica , Daha Ioana , Balanescu Eugenia , Bojinca Mihai , Pinte Larisa , Constantin Alexandru Marian , Dima Nicoleta , Floria Mariana , Leon‐Constantin Maria Magdalena , Roca Mihai , Mitu Magda , Chiriac Silvia , Badescu Codruta Minerva , Ionescu Simona Daniela , Mitrea Elena , Rosu Gabriel , Rezus Elena , Ionescu Georgeta Daniela , Visinescu Ana Maria , Mihailescu Gabriela , Badea Camelia Georgeta 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundShared decision making (SDM) is very important from patients' perspective. This process has not yet been evaluated in Romania. The study aims to evaluate SDM from the patients' perspective and to evaluate patients' characteristics that associate with SDM.Material and methodsA cross‐sectional multicentric study comprising eight recruitment centres was performed. Inpatients and outpatients who referred to Hospital Units treating autoimmune diseases or atrial fibrillation were included. Another sample consisted of members of the Autoimmune Disease Patient Society, who completed an online anonymous questionnaire. All participants completed the Romanian translated version of the 9‐item Shared Decision Making Questionnaire (SDM‐Q‐9), as these samples were used for the validation of this questionnaire, too. Patients had to refer to the visit in which the decision concerning the antithrombotic treatment was taken (atrial fibrillation patients), or the immunosuppressive treatment was last time changed (autoimmune disease patients). Ordinal regression having the total SDM score as dependent variable was used.ResultsA total of 665 questionnaires were filled in within the hospital setting (n = 324; 48.7%) and online (n = 341; 51.3%). The median score for SDM was 34 of 45, but it differed between hospital completion –39/45 and online completion (anonymous) –20/45 (P < .001). Patients with higher education were influenced most by the setting, giving the best marks in hospital and low marks online, while those with lower education gave lower marks in both settings. In ordinal regression with SDM score as dependent variable, hospital completion of the questionnaire (OR = 9.5, 95% confidence interval, 5.69‐16), collagen disease diagnosis (OR = 2.4, 95% confidence interval, 1.39‐4.14), and immunosuppressive treatment (OR = 2.16, 95% confidence interval, 1.43‐3.26) were independent predictors.ConclusionIn our study, full anonymity was associated with significantly lower scores for the SDM process. The patients with higher education were most influenced by this condition, while those with the lowest education were the most critical.
Life Cycles of Myxogastria Stemonitopsis typhina and Stemonitis fusca on Agar Culture
Authors: Dai Dan , Okorley Benjamin A. , Li Yu , Zhang Bo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMyxogastria is a group of protozoa characterized by cellular uninucleate amoeboflagellates (myxamoebae and flagellated swarm cell), acellular multinucleate plasmodia, and stationary spore‐bearing sporocarps. The Stemonitales is a large order in the Myxogastria and contains approximately 230 species, but only 13 species have their completed life cycles observed so far. Here, we described the life cycles of two species in Stemonitales, Stemonitopsis typhina and Stemonitis fusca by culturing in water agar medium and observing the morphogenesis of their spore germination, plasmodium, and sporocarp development. The spore‐to‐spore life cycles of Ste. typhina and S. fusca were completed in approximately 67 and 12 d, respectively. Both species possessed an aphanoplasmodium. However, the spores of Ste. typhina and S. fusca germinated by the V‐shape split and pore methods, respectively. Unlike S. fusca with an evanescent peridium, Ste. typhina produced a shiny persistent peridium which was continuous with the membrane surrounding its stalk. The information will contribute to a better understanding of their taxonomy and phylogeny.
Influence of life‐style factors, including second‐hand smoke, on dental caries among 3‐year‐old children in Wuxi, China
Authors: Tang Shai‐Di , Zhang Yan‐Xiao , Chen Li‐Mei , Wang Yue‐Yan , Cheng Yang , Tang Li‐Qin 
Published: August 2019

AimTo examine the association of life‐style factors, including second‐hand smoke, with dental caries among 3‐year‐old children in Wuxi, China.MethodsA multi‐stage stratified random cluster sampling method was used, and 283 children were recruited. The prevalence of dental caries was 29.3% (83/283).ResultsUnivariate analysis indicated that the possible related factors of dental caries included sleep duration, interest in snacks, candy, exposure to second‐hand smoke and weight of birth (all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that children who had used fluoride were less susceptible to dental caries than those who had not used fluoride before (P < 0.05). Moreover, the risk of dental caries in children who were very interested in snacks was greater than those with little interest in snacks (P < 0.05).ConclusionsLife‐style behaviours are crucial factors and should attract enough attention. There might be a potential negative effect of second‐hand smoke on the deciduous caries, but it still requires further studies. A co‐ordinated effort by health‐care providers, policymakers and health institutions has successfully improved children's oral health and the awareness of hygiene knowledge among citizens in Wuxi city.
The effects of copper on photosynthesis and biomolecules yield in Chlorolobion braunii
Authors: Baracho Douglas H. , Silva Jaqueline C. , Lombardi Ana T. 
Published: August 2019

Our knowledge of the effects of copper on microalgal physiology is largely based on studies conducted with high copper concentrations; much less is known when environmentally relevant copper levels come into question. Here, we evaluated the physiology of Chlorolobion braunii exposed to free copper ion concentrations between 5.7 × 10−9 and 5.0 × 10−6 mol · L−1, thus including environmentally relevant values. Population growth and maximum photosynthetic quantum yield of PSII were determined daily during the 96 h laboratory controlled experiment. Exponentially‐growing cells (48 h) were analyzed for effective quantum yield and rapid light curves (RLC), and total lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, chlorophyll a and carotenoids were determined. The results showed that growth rates and population density decreased gradually as copper increased in experiment, but the photosynthetic parameters (maximum and effective quantum yields) and photochemical quenching (qP) decreased only at the highest free copper concentration tested (5.0 × 10−6 mol · L−1); nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) increased gradually with copper increase. The RLC parameters Ek and rETRmax were inversely proportional to copper concentration, while α and Im decreased only at 5.0 × 10−6 mol · L−1. The effects of copper in biomolecules yield (mg · L−1) varied depending on the biomolecule. Lipid yield increased at free copper concentration as low as 2.5 × 10−8 mol · L−1, but proteins and carbohydrates were constant throughout.
microRNA‐206 modulates the hepatic expression of the organic anion‐transporting polypeptide 1B1
Authors: El Saadany Tämer , van Rosmalen Belle , Gai Zhibo , Hiller Christian , Verheij Joanne , Stieger Bruno , van Gulik Thomas , Visentin Michele , Kullak‐Ublick Gerd A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsThe organic anion‐transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) is an anion exchanger expressed at the hepatocyte sinusoidal membrane, which mediates the uptake of several endogenous metabolites and drugs. OATP1B1 expression level and activity are major sources of inter‐patient variability of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of several drugs. Besides the genotype, factors that contribute to the inter‐individual variability in OATP1B1 expression level are practically unknown. The aim of this work was to uncover novel epigenetic mechanisms of OATP1B1 regulation.MethodsA functional screening strategy to assess the effect of microRNAs on the uptake of estrone‐3‐sulphate, an OATP1B1 substrate, into human hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh‐7) cells was used. microRNA‐206 (miR‐206) expression in human liver tissues was measured by real‐time RT‐PCR. OATP1B1 expression in Huh‐7 and in human liver tissues was assessed by real‐time RT‐PCR, Western blotting and immunostaining. The mRNA‐miRNA interaction was assessed by reporter assay.ResultsmiR‐206 mimic repressed mRNA and protein expression of OATP1B1 in Huh‐7 cells. The intracellular accumulation of estrone‐3‐sulphate was reduced by 30% in cells overexpressing miR‐206. The repressive effect of miR‐206 on the activity of the firefly luciferase gene 2 under the control of the OATP1B1 3’ untranslated region was lost upon deletion of the predicted miR‐206 binding site. Hepatic miR‐206 level negatively correlated with OATP1B1 mRNA and protein levels extracted from normal human liver tissues.ConclusionsmiR‐206 exerts a suppressive effect on OATP1B1 expression by an epigenetic mechanism. Individuals with high hepatic levels of miR‐206 appear to display lower level of OATP1B1.
The autologous pubovaginal fascial sling: An update in 2019
Authors: Plagakis Sophie , Tse Vincent 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe contemporary management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has seen renewed interest in the use of autologous fascia for the formation of a retropubic suburethral sling. Traditionally, it has been used in only the most severe of incontinence cases, such as those women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency, or in patients requiring concomitant reconstructive procedures. In the current climate surrounding transvaginal mesh, many doctors and patients are shying away from the less morbid synthetic midurethral sling. International literature has demonstrated that the fascial sling is a safe and efficacious procedure for all patients with SUI, adequately treating both urethral hypermobility and intrinsic sphincter deficiency. This paper will discuss the indications, technique, and outcomes of autologous fascial slings. We will explore the use of fascial slings following failed synthetic slings and also the troubleshooting of commonly encountered issues intra‐ and postoperatively.
Efficacy of Tadalafil Therapy and Changes in Oxidative Stress Levels in Male Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Overactive Bladder
Authors: Matsuo Tomohiro , Miyata Yasuyoshi , Araki Kyohei , Mukae Yuta , Otsubo Asato , Ohba Kojiro , Sakai Hideki 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of tadalafil monotherapy on lower urinary tract symptoms, urodynamic parameters, and oxidative stress levels in male patients.MethodsThis prospective study included 53 male patients with urinary symptoms, who met the criteria for overactive bladder (OAB) (≥ 2 points for Q3 [urgency] in the OAB symptom score [OABSS] assessment and ≥ 3 points for the total score). The patients received 5 mg tadalafil orally once daily, and their symptoms were assessed before and after the 12‐week treatment. The OABSS and international prostate symptom score (IPSS) were used to evaluate the subjective symptoms. The objective findings were assessed using uroflowmetry. Oxidative stress was assessed by determining urinary levels of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) levels with an adjustment for urinary creatinine (CR) concentration.ResultsAfter tadalafil administration, total and individual indices of the OABSS assessment showed significant improvement. In addition, total storage and voiding symptoms that contributed to the IPSS were also significantly improved. The voided volume was increased, and the maximum flow rate was improved after tadalafil treatment (P = .002 and < 0.001, respectively). Urinary 8‐OHdG/CR decreased from 12.4 ± 9.7 ng/mg CR to 7.6 ± 11.6 ng/mg CR (P < .001). In patients who showed OAB improvement and did not meet the criteria for OAB after the treatment (44 patients, 83.0%), the urinary 8‐OHdG/CR level was significantly decreased from 11.6 ± 8.4 ng/mg CR to 6.4 ± 10.3 ng/mg CR (P < .001).ConclusionsTadalafil treatment improves OAB symptoms and urodynamic parameters by decreasing oxidative stress level.