bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of rivaroxaban and apixaban in serum samples of patients
Authors: Harenberg Job , Krämer Sandra , Du Shanshan , Zolfaghari Shabnam , Schulze Astrid , Krämer Roland , Weiss Christel , Wehling Martin , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe determination of rivaroxaban and apixaban from serum samples of patients may be beneficial in specific clinical situations when additional blood sampling for plasma and thus the determination of factor Xa activity is not feasible or results are not plausible.Materials and methodsThe primary aim of this study was to compare the concentrations of rivaroxaban and apixaban in serum with those measured in plasma. Secondary aims were the performance of three different chromogenic methods and concentrations in patients on treatment with rivaroxaban 10 mg od (n = 124) or 20 mg od (n = 94) or apixaban 5 mg bid (n = 52) measured at different time.ResultsConcentrations of rivaroxaban and apixaban in serum were about 20–25% higher compared with plasma samples with a high correlation (r = 0·79775–0·94662) using all assays (all P < 0·0001). The intraclass correlation coefficients were about 0·90 for rivaroxaban and 0·55 for apixaban. Mean rivaroxaban concentrations were higher at 2 and 3 h compared with 1 and 12 h after administration measured from plasma and serum samples (all P‐values < 0·05) and were not different between 1 vs. 12 h (plasma and serum).ConclusionsThe results indicate that rivaroxaban and apixaban concentrations can be determined specifically from serum samples.
Measurement of soil moisture content under physical crust by millimetre‐wave backscattering
Authors: Eliran A. , Goldshleger N. , Yahalom A. , Agassi M. , Ben‐dor E. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThis paper presents a multi‐sensor remote sensing study of physically crusted soil with various moisture contents by using millimetre‐wave backscatter radiation. The backscattered radiation was used to generate an empirical model to estimate soil moisture at the thin surface crust scale by using a set of soils with known moisture content as a reference. The model was then used to assess the moisture content of a new set of soils from the same group. Real‐time measurement of soil moisture in the top layer beneath the soil crust is impractical at best and impossible using traditional methods. The proposed method, therefore, paves the way to assessing soil moisture content immediately beneath the surface crust as well as in a micro‐profile at depths of 0–3 cm. It can be combined with other active and passive remote sensing methods to provide a micro‐profile measurement of soil moisture to the depth of the entire upper root zone (0–30 cm) and of the plough layer (0–20 cm) under undisturbed conditions. The method is based on the emerging technology of millimetre waves, which provide improved spatial resolution of the subsurface concurrent with surface mapping. Further development and use of the method described herein will make it simple and practical to analyse and understand the processes governing the soil–water interface. The major processes for which this information is important are soil crusting, water budgets (infiltration, runoff and evaporation) and soil erosion.
A novel β‐trefoil lectin from the parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) is nematotoxic
Authors: Žurga Simon , Pohleven Jure , Renko Miha , Bleuler‐Martinez Silvia , Sosnowski Piotr , Turk Dušan , Künzler Markus , Kos Janko , Sabotič Jerica 
Published: June 2014

Lectins are carbohydrate‐binding proteins present in all organisms. Some cytoplasmic lectins from fruiting bodies of dikaryotic fungi are toxic against a variety of parasites and predators. We have isolated, cloned and expressed a novel, single domain lectin from Macrolepiota procera, designated MpL. Determination of the crystal structure revealed that MpL is a ricin B‐like lectin with a β‐trefoil fold. Biochemical characterization, site‐directed mutagenesis, co‐crystallization with carbohydrates, isothermal titration calorimetry and glycan microarray analyses show that MpL forms dimers with the carbohydrate‐binding site at the α‐repeat, with the highest specificity for terminal N‐acetyllactosamine and other β‐galactosides. A second putative carbohydrate‐binding site with a low affinity for galactose is present at the γ‐repeat. In addition, a novel hydrophobic binding site was detected in MpL with specificity for molecules other than carbohydrates. The tissue specific distribution of MpL in the stipe and cap tissue of fruiting bodies and its toxicity towards the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans indicate a function of MpL in protecting fruiting bodies against predators and parasites.DatabaseNucleotide sequence data have been deposited in the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank databases under accession numbers HQ449738 and HQ449739. Structural data have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession codes 4ION, 4IYB, 4IZX and 4J2S.
The transcriptional activator NrpA is crucial for inducing nitrogen fixation in Methanosarcina mazei Gö1 under nitrogen‐limited conditions
Authors: Weidenbach Katrin , Ehlers Claudia , Schmitz Ruth A. 
Published: June 2014

With the aim of unraveling their potential involvement in the regulation of nitrogen metabolism in Methanosarcina mazei strain Gö1, we characterized five genes that are differentially transcribed in response to changing nitrogen availability and encoding putative transcriptional regulators. Study of the respective mutant strains under nitrogen‐limited conditions revealed a growth delay for M. mazei MM0444::pac and MM1708::pac, and strongly reduced diazotrophic growth for MM0872::pac, whereas the absence of MM2441 or MM2525 did not affect growth behaviour. Transcriptome analyses further demonstrated that only MM1708 – encoding a CxxCG zinc finger protein – plays a regulatory role in nitrogen metabolism, most likely by specifically enhancing transcription of the N2 fixation (nif) operon under nitrogen‐limited conditions. In agreement with this, a palindromic binding motif was predicted in silico in the nifH promoter region, nine nucleotides upstream of the BRE box, and confirmed to bind purified maltose‐binding protein–MM1708 by electromobility shift assays. As MM1708 itself is under the control of the global nitrogen repressor NrpR, this adds a secondary level to the transcriptional regulation of the nif genes, and is most likely crucial for maximal nif induction under nitrogen‐limited conditions. This is in accordance with the finding that protein expression of NifH is highly reduced in the absence of MM1708 under nitrogen‐limited conditions. On the basis of our findings, we hypothesize that, in M. mazei, nitrogen fixation is controlled by a hierarchical network of two transcriptional regulators, the global nitrogen repressor NrpR, and the newly identified activator NrpA (MM1708), thereby providing tight control of N2 fixation.
Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder and urinary incontinence in western Turkey: Results of a population‐based survey
Authors: Zumrutbas Ali E , Bozkurt Ali I , Tas Erdogan , Acar Cenk I , Alkis Okan , Coban Kazim , Cetinel Bulent , Aybek Zafer 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary incontinence and overactive bladder in western Turkey.MethodThis cross‐sectional, population‐based survey was carried out between May and October 2012. A random sample of 2128 women and men aged ≥18 years was selected from the health registries. A questionnaire including sociodemographic data, comorbid conditions, lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder and urinary incontinence symptoms, body mass index, vital signs, and dipstick urinalysis was developed. The questions were answered by the participants, and remaining data were provided by the site staff. International Continence Society definitions were used.ResultsA total of 1571 (74%) individuals agreed to participate, and analysis were carried out on 1555 people (636 men [40.9%] and 919 women [59.1%]) after 16 individuals with a nitrite‐positive dipstick test were excluded. Lower urinary tract symptoms were reported by 71.0% of the study population. The prevalence of storage, voiding and post‐micturition symptoms were 56.1% (44.2% men, 64.1% women), 39.3% (40.9% men, 37.8% women) and 30.7% (38.6% men, 28.7% women), respectively. The most prevalent storage symptom was urgency, which was reported by 29.3% of the study population (20.1% men, 35.6% women). The prevalence of urge, stress and mixed urinary incontinence were: 6.5% (3.9% men, 8.2% women), 14.1% (3.9% men, 21.2% women) and 5.6% (0.8% men, 9.0% women), respectively.ConclusionThe present study is the first and largest population‐based survey evaluating the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary incontinence and overactive bladder in Turkey. Our findings show these symptoms are highly prevalent in western Turkey.
Fragility of epidermis and its consequence in dermatology
Authors: Stalder J.F. , Tennstedt D. , Deleuran M. , Fabbrocini G. , de Lucas R. , Haftek M. , Taieb C. , Coustou D. , Mandeau A. , Fabre B. , Hernandez‐Pigeon H. , Aries M.F. , Galliano M.F. , Duplan H. , Castex‐Rizzi N. , Bessou‐Touya S. , Mengeaud V. , Rouvrais C. , Schmitt A.M. , Bottino R. , Cottin K. , Saint Aroman M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe skin is the largest organ of the body, providing a protective barrier against bacteria, chemicals and physical insults while maintaining homeostasis in the internal environment. Such a barrier function the skin ensures protection against excessive water loss. The skin's immune defence consists of several facets, including immediate, non‐specific mechanisms (innate immunity) and delayed, stimulus‐specific responses (adaptive immunity), which contribute to fending off a wide range of potentially invasive microorganisms. This article is an overview of all known data about ‘fragile skin’. Fragile skin is defined as skin with lower resistance to aggressions. Fragile skin can be classified into four categories up to its origin: physiological fragile skin (age, location), pathological fragile skin (acute and chronic), circumstantial fragile skin (due to environmental extrinsic factors or intrinsic factors such as stress) and iatrogenic fragile skin. This article includes the epidemiologic data, pathologic description of fragile skin with pathophysiological bases (mechanical and immunological role of skin barrier) and clinical description of fragile skin in atopic dermatitis, in acne, in rosacea, in psoriasis, in contact dermatitis and other dermatologic pathologies. This article includes also clinical cases and differential diagnosis of fragile skin (reactive skin) in face in adult population. In conclusion, fragile skin is very frequent worldwide and its prevalence varies between 25% and 52% in Caucasian, African and Asian population.
Disentangling plastic and genetic changes in body mass of Siberian jays
Authors: Gienapp P. , Merilä J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractSpatial and temporal phenotypic differentiation in mean body size is of commonplace occurrence, but the underlying causes remain often unclear: both genetic differentiation in response to selection (or drift) and environmentally induced plasticity can create similar phenotypic patterns. Studying changes in body mass in Siberian jays (Perisoreus infaustus) over three decades, we discovered that mean body mass declined drastically (ca. 10%) over the first two decades, but increased markedly thereafter back to almost the initial level. Quantitative genetic analyses revealed that although body mass was heritable (h2 = 0.46), the pronounced temporal decrease in body mass was mainly a product of phenotypic plasticity. However, a concomitant and statistically significant decrease in predicted breeding values suggests a genetic component to this change. The subsequent increase in mean body mass was indicated to be entirely due to plasticity. Selection on body mass was estimated to be too weak to fully account for the observed genetic decline in body mass, but bias in selection differential estimates due to environmental covariance between body mass and fitness is possible. Hence, the observed body mass changes appear to be driven mainly by phenotypic plasticity. Although we were not able to identify the ecological driver of the observed plastic changes, the results highlight the utility of quantitative genetic approaches in disentangling genetic and phenotypic changes in natural populations.
Free amino acids in stimulated and unstimulated whole saliva: advantages or disadvantages
Authors: Masoudi Rad H. , Rabiei M. , Sobhani A. , Sadegh Khanjani M. , Rahbar Taramsar M. , Kazemnezhad Leili E. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThis study determines the mean concentrations of free amino acids in stimulated and unstimulated whole saliva in healthy young adults. Standardised salivary amino acids as a substitute for their counterpart in blood, searched for the source of free amino acids in saliva, the probable correlation between particular amino acids with caries experience. Stimulated and unstimulated whole saliva were collected by the draining method in 31 dental students. Saliva was purified, and amino acids were separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography. DMFT scores were recorded, and the relation of amino acids to caries experience was explored by generalised linear model. Almost all amino acids had higher concentration in unstimulated whole saliva than in stimulated saliva. The normal range of amino acids (95% CI) and their natural logarithm were defined. There was a significant relationship between caries experience and threonine (P < 0·008), citrulline (P < 0·023) and ornithine (P < 0·001) as a detrimental factor, whereas serin (P < 0·026), glutamine (P < 0·015) and phenylalanine (P < 0·014) had an inhibiting effect on caries. However, in comparison, salivary flow rate (P < 0·013) was a more preventive factor than amino acids. Amino acids in saliva contribute as a marker, instead of their counterpart in blood. Unstimulated saliva had higher concentration of amino acids. Amino acids have different impact on caries and may be one of underlying risk factors for caries experience.
miR‐146a and miR‐155 expression in PBMCs from patients with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Shi Huan , Zheng Ling‐yan , Zhang Ping , Yu Chuang‐qi 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundAn increasing number of studies have revealed that microRNA (miRNA) contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate the miR‐146a and miR‐155 levels in peripheral mononuclear blood cells from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) who were not receiving medications and to examine the correlations between these miRNA levels and the clinical features of the disease.MethodUsing real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis of miRNAs, the miR‐146a and miR‐155 expression levels were assessed in peripheral mononuclear blood cells from 27 patients with pSS and 22 healthy controls, and the relationships between these miRNA levels and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores for dry mouth, dry eyes, and parotid gland swelling were investigated.ResultsCompared with the healthy controls, the miR‐146a expression level was significantly increased in the patients with pSS (P = 0.0182) and was positively correlated with the VAS scores for parotid swelling (r = 0.4475, P = 0.0192) and dry eyes (r = 0.4051, P = 0.0361). Although the miR‐155 expression level was significantly decreased in the patients with pSS (P = 0.0131), the miR‐155 expression positively correlated with the VAS score for dry eyes (r = 0.4894, P = 0.0096).ConclusionOur results demonstrated miR‐146a overexpression and miR‐155 underexpression in the peripheral mononuclear blood cells of the patients with pSS. Furthermore, the expression levels of these miRNAs correlated with the patients' clinical features. Our data suggest that miR‐146a and miR‐155 might play important roles in the pathogenesis of pSS and that their expression levels may be useful for diagnosing pSS and for predicting disease activity and therapeutic responses.
Dynamic analysis of oral Candida carriage, distribution, and antifungal susceptibility in HIV‐infected patients during the first year of highly active antiretroviral therapy in Guangxi, China
Authors: Jiang Lanlan , Yong Xiangzhi , Li Runying , Peng Yuanyuan , Liu Wei , Qin Qi , Zhang Linlin , Liu Zhenmin , Liang Hao , Tao Renchuan 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundHighly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) as an effective therapy for immune reconstruction among patients with HIV/AIDS might have influence on oral Candida status. We investigated oral Candida carriage, distribution, and antifungal susceptibility dynamically during the first year of HAART among adult HIV‐infected patients in Guangxi, China.MethodsForty‐five adult HIV‐infected patients who received their first year HAART in the AIDS clinic of the Guangxi Center for Disease Control (CDC) and 31 healthy individuals were recruited. Clinical information and oral examinations were obtained. Oral rinses taken from patients at baseline, 3, 6, 12 months during HAART, respectively, were cultured, and Candida species were identified following standard microbiological techniques. In vitro antifungal susceptibilities were tested by the broth microdilution method.ResultsThe oral Candida load decreased gradually in the 45 patients with HIV/AIDS during the first year of HAART (P < 0.050). Among 176 Candida isolates, Candida albicans (114/176) was the predominant species, and Candida parapsilosis (23/62) was the most common non‐albicans species. We found the frequency of resistance to fluconazole and itraconazole of Candida isolated from our samples increased (P < 0.05) after 12 months of HAART. In addition, the frequency of C. albicans isolates resistant to fluconazole and itraconazole was on the rise (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe Candida load decreased with increased CD4+ T cell counts, and C. albicans was still the prevailing species. Further, a trend toward more frequent in vitro resistance to fluconazole and itraconazole was observed. Our results provide reference for treatment and prevention of oral candidiasis among this population.
Detection of Candida albicans ADH1 and ADH2 mRNAs in human archival oral biopsy samples
Authors: Bakri M. M. , Cannon R. D. , Holmes A. R. , Rich A. M. 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between expression of Candida albicans alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH) genes in archival formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples from biopsies of leukoplakia.Materials and MethodsArchival FFPE samples were obtained from four sample groups: normal oral mucosa, non‐dysplastic leukoplakia, chronic hyperplastic candidosis (CHC), and non‐CHC dysplastic leukoplakia. The presence of C. albicans was determined by periodic acid Schiff staining and by immunocytochemistry. C. albicans ADH1 and ADH2 mRNAs were detected using reverse transcription PCR.ResultsCandida albicans was detected in FFPE samples diagnosed as CHC (the histological diagnoses had been made by specialist oral pathologists, using uniform criteria), but not in any other sample group, including the non‐dysplastic leukoplakias. RT‐PCR confirmed a significant correlation between the expression of CaADH1 mRNA (P = 0.000), but not for CaADH2 mRNA (P = 0.056) in archival FFPE samples (n = 31) from biopsies of leukoplakia.ConclusionsCandida albicans was the predominant species in the lesions diagnosed as CHC, and the presence of C. albicans in CHC lesions was associated with a high expression of C. albicans ADH1 mRNA. There was no association between the presence of Candida and malignant transformation in the cases examined; however, the number of cases was limited and further studies are needed to further elucidate the role of C. albicans ADH1 in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) resistance by PARP1 regulation on PDT‐induced apoptosis with autophagy in head and neck cancer cells
Authors: Kim Jisun , Lim Wonbong , Kim Sangwoo , Jeon Sangmi , Hui Zheng , ni Kou , Kim Changsu , Im Yeonggwan , Choi Hongran , Kim Okjoon 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is an anticancer treatment that generates excessive reactive oxygen species after photosensitizer treatments following specific wavelength irradiation. In another reports, PDT was regulated with autophagic cell death and apoptotic cell death. However, the mechanism of PDT resistance in PDT‐stimulated cell death is unclear. In this study, we determined PDT resistance by autophagy and apoptosis in HP‐PDT‐treated oral cancer cells.Materials & MethodsCells were treated hematoporphyrin and then irradiation with or without inhibitor. Cell lysates were checked protein expression with specific antibody. PDT resistance cells were generated with PDT repeated treatments.ResultsIn HP‐PDT, PDT induced autophagy through mTOR, ATG5, and LC3 in dose‐dependent manners. Also, PDT at high dose induced apoptosis through caspase activation and PARP‐1. Moreover, PARP‐1 inhibitor protected cells against HP‐PDT‐induced cell death, but not by caspase inhibitor. At low dose of HP, autophagy inhibitor partially protected from HP‐PDT‐induced cell death. In autophagy phases, at low doses, HP‐PDT regulated autophagic cell death through the inhibition of LC3II. Although autophagy inhibitor did not alter cell death directly, autophagy has associated with HP‐PDT‐induced apoptotic cell death by PARP‐1 regulation.ConclusionTaken together, HP‐PDT induces apoptotic cell death with autophagy in oral cancer cells. PDT resistance is related to autophagy by PARP‐1 regulation in oral cancer cells.
Keratin pearl degradation in oral squamous cell carcinoma: reciprocal roles of neutrophils and macrophages
Authors: Essa Ahmed A. M. , Yamazaki Manabu , Maruyama Satoshi , Abé Tatsuya , Babkair Hamzah , Cheng Jun , Saku Takashi 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundWe have reported that neutrophilic infiltration was associated with round‐shaped dyskeratosis foci, a kind of keratin pearl, of oral carcinoma in situ and that those inflammatory cells are recruited from intra‐epithelially entrapped blood vessels. Based on these lines of evidence, we have formulated a hypothesis that keratin pearls are terminally degraded by neutrophils. To confirm this hypothesis, we investigated immunohistochemically stepwise degradation of keratin pearls in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to clarify any other type scavenger cells in addition to neutrophils are involved in this particular degradation process.MethodsNeutrophils (neutrophil elastase) and macrophage subpopulations (CD68, CD163 and CD204) were immunohistochemically localized in 30 cases of oral SCC with typical round‐shaped keratin pearls. SCC cells were revealed by immunohistochemistry for keratin (K) 17, and blood vessels were demonstrated by CD31.ResultsKeratin pearl degradation process was divided into four steps: (i) intact stage: no macrophage infiltration but minimal neutrophils were found in keratin pearls; (ii) neutrophil recruit stage: no macrophage infiltration but focal neutrophilic infiltration within the pearls; (iii) neutrophil predominant stage: dense neutrophil infiltration with minimal macrophages and segregated keratinized cancer cells strongly positive for K17; and (iv) macrophage predominant stage: dense infiltration of CD68‐, CD163 (mononuclear)‐ and CD204 (multinucleated)‐positive macrophages engulfing detached keratinized SCC cells.ConclusionKeratin pearl degradation in oral SCC is strictly regulated by two types of scavenger cells: neutrophils, which perform initial tasks, and macrophages, which reciprocally take over from neutrophils the role to finalize the degradation processes.