bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of demographic and clinical characteristics of actinic keratosis patients on illness perceptions and readiness to increase sun protection behaviours: an exploratory study
Authors: Akarsu Sevgi , Ozbagcivan Ozlem , Ilknur Turna , Semiz Fatma , Fetil Emel 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackground/purposeThere are no data comprehensively investigating the key beliefs and sun protection behaviours in patients with actinic keratosis (AK). Our aim was to determine and correlate the AK perceptions and readiness to increase sun protection (RISP) behaviours.MethodsAK patients’ (n = 200) demographics and clinical findings were recorded. Participants completed questionnaires (Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised and RISP behaviours scales).ResultsThe mean scores of giving up sunbathing of the patients aged <65 years, and giving up sunbathing and staying in the shade behaviours of females were higher. As the level of education increased, while the mean scores of giving up sunbathing decreased, using sunscreen scores increased. The mean scores of giving up sunbathing, using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing of those with the history of non‐skin cancer (had cancer other than of the skin) were lower. The readiness to increase using sunscreen was found to be higher in patients with more chronic timeline beliefs, more positive perceived personal control and blaming sunlight more, and the wearing protective clothing was found to be higher in those with more cyclical timeline beliefs.ConclusionAK patients, especially the subjects aged ≥65 years, have non‐skin cancer history, and male gender should be informed to apply sun‐protective behaviours.
The effect of Echinococcus granulosus on spleen cells and TGF‐β expression in the peripheral blood of BALB/c mice
Authors: Yin S. , Chen X. , Zhang J. , Xu F. , Fang H. , Hou J. , Zhang X. , Wu X. , Chen X. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryCystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) is a zoonotic parasitic disease. The effective immune evasion mechanisms of E. granulosus allow it to parasitize its hosts. However, the status of the innate and adaptive immune cells and their contributions to E. granulosus progression remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of E. granulosus infection on T cells, NK cell responses and TGF‐β expression during the early infection phase in BALB/c mice. In E. granulosus infections, there was an increasing tendency in the percentage of CD4+CD25+ T cells and CD4+Foxp3+ T cells and peripheral blood TGF‐β levels and relative expression of the Foxp3 gene. Moreover, there were a decreasing tendency in the percentage of NK cells and NK cell cytotoxicity and the expression of NKG2D on NK cells. The TGF‐β1/Smad pathway was activated by E. granulosus in mice. Above results can be reversed by the inhibitor SB‐525334 (potent activin receptor‐like kinase 5 inhibitor). These results suggest that the TGF‐β/Smad pathway plays an important role in changes of T‐cell or NK cell responses. These results may contribute to revealing the preliminary molecular mechanisms in establishing hydatid infection.
Confirmed mixed bird–insect pollination system of Scrophularia trifoliata L., a Tyrrhenian species with corolla spots
Authors: Navarro‐Pérez M. L. , López J. , Rodríguez‐Riaño T. , Bacchetta G. , de Miguel Gordillo C. , Ortega‐Olivencia A. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Both bird and mixed vertebrate–insect (MVI) pollination systems are very rare in Europe and the Mediterranean region. Because MVI can ensure reproduction over a wider range of environmental conditions than when insects are the sole pollinators, under certain circumstances such systems are highly advantageous to plants. Here, we investigated the pollination and some reproductive traits of the Tyrrhenian Scrophularia trifoliata, the only species of the genus possessing two showy dark spots inside the corolla, for which MVI pollination system had been inferred on the basis of limited censuses.

We conducted field experiments to study MVI pollination and some reproductive traits and elucidate the role of corolla spots, analysing their ultraviolet pattern, histology and pigments versus the rest of the corolla.

The primary pollinators were wasps and passerine birds. Corolla spots absorb UV light, present abundant anthocyanins and are histologically identical to the rest of the corolla. Control flowers had higher visitation frequency than flowers without spots. S. trifoliata is self‐compatible, with efficient intrafloral protogyny and herkogamy that prevent self‐pollination but not geitonogamy.

We confirmed the existence of a mixed bird–insect pollination system in S. trifoliata. This system is found in three other Scrophularia species with large, showy flowers – two Mediterranean (S. grandiflora and S. sambucifolia) and one Macaronesian (S. calliantha). Unlike those species, S. trifoliata has two large spots inside the corolla. These likely operate as nectar guides and their dark colouration is related to abundant anthocyanin content.
Falls, risk factors and fear of falling among persons older than 65 years of age
Authors: Gazibara Tatjana , Kurtagic Ilma , Kisic‐Tepavcevic Darija , Nurkovic Selmina , Kovacevic Nikolina , Gazibara Teodora , Pekmezovic Tatjana 
Published: January 2017

AimFalling represents a major public health problem among older persons because it leads to premature mortality, loss of independence, and placement in assisted‐living facilities. The purpose of this study was to assess the main features and risks for falls among persons older than 65 years of age as well as to quantify their fear of falling.MethodsA total of 354 persons older than 65 years of age were recruited at a community health centre. Characteristics of the most recent fall were obtained through detailed interviews with study participants. The Falls Efficacy Scale was used to quantify fear of falling.ResultsFrequency of falling was 15.8%. Falls occurred most often while walking (49%). One‐half of fallers (49.1%) sustained an injury. Head haematomas and soft tissues contusions were the most common consequences of falls. The average Falls Efficacy Scale score was significantly higher in fallers (
P
= 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that having a fear of falling (odds ratio = 4.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.22–14.08,
P
= 0.02) and being a woman (odds ratio = 2.10, 95% confidence interval: 0.97–4.53,
P
= 0.05) were independent risk factors for falling among older persons.ConclusionThe frequency of falls among older people was similar to those in other populations. These results could be used to help select older persons who should be enrolled in fall prevention programmes.
The role of social relationships among elderly community‐dwelling and nursing‐home residents: findings from a quality of life study
Authors: Scocco Paolo , Nassuato Mario 
Published: January 2017

AimIn Western countries, older adults' needs are often managed through institutionalization. Based on the assumption that quality of life, particularly social relationships, may be perceived differently according to residential setting, the aims of this study were to compare World Health Organization Quality of Life brief version (WHOQOL‐BREF) scores of elderly community‐dwelling residents and nursing home residents.MethodsA sample of 207 older adults (135 community‐dwelling residents, 72 nursing home residents) was evaluated with Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), WHOQOL‐BREF, and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).ResultsNursing home residents achieved lower WHOQOL‐BREF scores on the physical health scale only (P = 0.002). In a linear regression model, physical score correlated negatively with GDS score (P = 0.0001) and Mini‐Mental State Examination score (P = 0.04), but positively with male gender (P = 0.02) and community‐dwelling residence (P = 0.001); psychological score correlated negatively with GDS score (P = 0.0001) and being married (P = 0.03), but positively with male gender (P = 0.009) and being unmarried (P = 0.03). The social relationships score correlated negatively with the GDS score (P = 0.0001) and male gender (P = 0.02), but positively with high education level (P = 0.04). The environment score negatively correlated with GDS score (P = 0.0001). In a logistic regression model, living in a nursing home correlated with female gender (P = 0.001), age (P = 0.0001), a lower physical score (P = 0.0001), and a higher social relationships score (P = 0.02).ConclusionDepressive symptoms correlated with low scores in all WHOQOL‐BREF domains. The variables that correlated with living conditions in a nursing home were older age, male gender, lower physical domain scores, and higher social relationship scores. Opportunities for socialization in nursing homes may thus improve perception of quality of life in this domain.
Do spouse caregivers of young and older persons with dementia have different needs? A comparative study
Authors: Wawrziczny Emilie , Pasquier Florence , Ducharme Francine , Kergoat Marie‐Jeanne , Antoine Pascal 
Published: January 2017

AimThe aim of this study was to explore the needs of spouse caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) and then to compare them based on the PWD's age at disease onset. This data could be used to adapt support programmes to address differences between the two groups.MethodThirty‐eight spouse caregivers of persons with late‐onset dementia and 40 spouse caregivers of persons with early‐onset dementia (PEOD) agreed to participate in the study. The mean ± SD age of the PEOD was 57.6 ± 4.0 years, whereas it was 80.9 ± 5.3 years for the persons with late‐onset dementia. Interviews were conducted in the spouse caregivers' homes with only the spouse caregiver. The semi‐structured interviews were based on the French version of the Carers Outcome Agreement Tool. The interviews were analyzed in two steps. The first step was qualitative to identify needs. The data were thematically analyzed using QSR NVivo 10. The second step was quantitative to compare the needs depending on the PWD's age at onset. The comparison between the two groups was performed using the χ2 test.ResultsThe results demonstrated that the majority of needs are the same for the two groups of spouse caregivers. All caregivers need to unwind, to stimulate and pay attention to the PWD, to break the isolation, and to be more prepared and confident. However, some differences emerge, with the spouse caregivers of PEOD expressing a greater number of needs. The caregivers of PEOD seem to have a greater need to interact and maintain contacts with other people (P = 0.001), have more general care‐related needs (P = 0.005), require more appropriate care structures (P = 0.037), and need greater assistance with administrative procedures (P = 0.004).ConclusionTo improve spouse caregivers' well‐being and sense of efficiency, it would be interesting to develop a support programme with a common framework and specific modules depending on the PWD's age at disease onset.
Feelings of uselessness and 3‐year mortality in an Italian community older people: the role of the functional status
Authors: Curzio Olivia , Bernacca Emilia , Bianchi Bruno , Rossi Giuseppe 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundSense of self‐worth influences the health status of the elderly and may be associated with mortality. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the association between subjective feelings of uselessness and mortality was confounded or modified by functional limitation in non‐institutionalized older people.MethodsParticipants were community‐dwelling older people, aged 70 years and older, who lived in neighbourhoods of Massa and Carrara municipalities in northern Tuscany, Italy. At baseline, 2335 non‐institutionalized older people were assessed with a short self‐administered questionnaire; the analysis included 2132 older persons for whom vital statistical data were available after a 3‐year follow‐up.ResultsThe feeling of uselessness was associated with an increased mortality at the 3‐year follow‐up, but only in older people who reported disability problems (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.97, 95% confidence interval = 1.48–2.63, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsPeople who reported disability problems and a feeling of uselessness may be vulnerable to an increased risk for poor health outcomes in later life. This study outlined the importance of enquiring about feelings of uselessness, which is a relational variable that is linked to both psychological and physical health status, especially in older people who need help in daily activities.
Klotho attenuated antibody‐mediated porcine endothelial cell activation and injury
Authors: Liu Lu , Gao Hanchao , Hong Chungu , He Chen , Pan Dengke , Dai Yifan , Hara Hidetaka , Cooper David K. C. , Li Zesong , Cai Zhiming , Mou Lisha 
Published: January 2017

AbstractLong‐term success in pig‐to‐primate xenotransplantation is currently hampered by acute vascular rejection (AVR), characterized by endothelial cell (EC) activation and injury. Klotho has anti‐apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory effects on EC and protects EC against reactive oxygen species, rendering klotho a promising molecule to control AVR. In this study, porcine ECs were pre‐incubated with klotho and then exposed to xenoreactive antibodies and complement. Real‐time PCR revealed that klotho suppressed antibody‐induced pro‐inflammatory gene expression of VCAM‐1 and IL‐1α. NF‐κB activation, IκBα phosphorylation, was also attenuated by klotho administration. Furthermore, klotho induced in porcine EC resistance against complement‐dependent cytotoxicity. Accompanying this change, the binding of IgG and IgM xenoreactive antibodies to porcine EC was decreased and the expression of anti‐inflammatory gene HO‐1 was upregulated. These findings indicated that klotho protein protected porcine EC from activation and injury caused by binding of xenoreactive antibodies and was a promising candidate molecule in a multitransgenic pig strategy for xenotransplantation.
Transplantation of hepatocytes from genetically engineered pigs into baboons
Authors: Iwase Hayato , Liu Hong , Schmelzer Eva , Ezzelarab Mohamed , Wijkstrom Martin , Hara Hidetaka , Lee Whayoung , Singh Jagjit , Long Cassandra , Lagasse Eric , Gerlach Jörg C. , Cooper David K. C. , Gridelli Bruno 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundSome patients with acute or acute‐on‐chronic hepatic failure die before a suitable human liver allograft becomes available. Encouraging results have been achieved in such patients by the transplantation of human hepatocyte progenitor cells from fetal liver tissue. The aim of the study was to explore survival of hepatocytes from genetically engineered pigs after direct injection into the spleen and other selected sites in immunosuppressed baboons to monitor the immune response and the metabolic function and survival of the transplanted hepatocytes.MethodsBaboons (n=3) were recipients of GTKO/hCD46 pig hepatocytes. All three baboons received anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) induction and tapering methylprednisolone. Baboon 1 received maintenance immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus and rapamycin. Baboons 2 and 3 received an anti‐CD40mAb/rapamycin‐based regimen that prevents sensitization to pig solid organ grafts. The baboons were euthanized 4 or 5 weeks after hepatocyte transplantation. The baboon immune response was monitored by the measurement of anti‐non‐Gal IgM and IgG antibodies (by flow cytometry) and CFSE‐mixed lymphocyte reaction. Monitoring for hepatocyte survival and function was by (i) real‐time PCR detection of porcine DNA, (ii) real‐time PCR for porcine gene expression, and (iii) pig serum albumin levels (by ELISA). The sites of hepatocyte injection were examined microscopically.ResultsDetection of porcine DNA and porcine gene expression was minimal at all sites of hepatocyte injection. Serum levels of porcine albumen were very low—500‐1000‐fold lower than in baboons with orthotopic pig liver grafts, and approximately 5000‐fold lower than in healthy pigs. No hepatocytes or infiltrating immune cells were seen at any of the injection sites. Two baboons (Baboons 1 and 3) demonstrated a significant increase in anti‐pig IgM and an even greater increase in IgG, indicating sensitization to pig antigens.Discussion and ConclusionsAs a result of this disappointing experience, the following points need to be considered. (i) Were the isolated pig hepatocytes functionally viable? (ii) Are pig hepatocytes more immunogenic than pig hearts, kidneys, artery patch grafts, or islets? (iii) Does injection of pig cells (antigens) into the spleen and/or lymph nodes stimulate a greater immune response than when pig tissues are grafted at other sites? (iv) Did the presence of the recipient's intact liver prevent survival and proliferation of pig hepatocytes? (v) Is pig CD47‐primate SIRP‐α compatibility essential? In conclusion, the transplantation of genetically engineered pig hepatocytes into multiple sites in immunosuppressed baboons was associated with very early graft failure. Considerable further study is required before clinical trials should be undertaken.
Postprandial adjustments in renal phosphate excretion do not involve a gut‐derived phosphaturic factor
Authors: Lee Grace J. , Mossa‐Al Hashimi Lina , Debnam Edward S. , Unwin Robert J. , Marks Joanne 
Published: January 2017

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Does a previously hypothesized signalling mechanism, believed to detect postprandial increases in intestinal phosphate and that can stimulate the kidneys to rapidly excrete phosphate, operate under physiological conditions?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Contrary to earlier reports, rapid signalling between the small intestine and kidney mediated by a gut‐derived phosphaturic factor in response to a physiological intestinal phosphate load is not supported by the present findings; moreover, hyperphosphataemia and increased parathyroid hormone concentrations are likely to be the underlying factors responsible for the phosphaturia following a supraphysiological intestinal phosphate load.

To date, the role of the small intestine in the regulation of postprandial phosphate homeostasis has remained unclear and controversial. Previous studies have proposed the presence of a gut‐derived phosphaturic factor that acts independently of changes in plasma phosphate concentration or parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration; however, these early studies used duodenal luminal phosphate concentrations in the molar range, and therefore, the physiological relevance of this is uncertain. In the present study, we used both in vivo and in vitro approaches to investigate the presence of this putative ‘intestinal phosphatonin’. Instillation of 1.3 m phosphate into the duodenum rapidly induced phosphaturia, but in contrast to previous reports, this was associated with significant hyperphosphataemia and elevated PTH concentration; however, there was not the expected decrease in abundance of the renal sodium–phosphate cotransporter NaPi‐IIa. Instillation of a physiological (10 mm) phosphate load had no effect on plasma phosphate concentration, PTH concentration or phosphate excretion. Moreover, phosphate uptake by opossum kidney cells was unaffected after incubation with serosal fluid collected from intestinal segments perfused with different concentrations of phosphate. Taken together, these findings do not support the concept of a gut‐derived phosphaturic factor that can mediate rapid signalling between the gut and kidney, leading to increased urinary phosphate excretion, as part of normal phosphate homeostasis.
Calmodulin and ATP support activity of the Cav1.2 channel through dynamic interactions with the channel
Authors: Minobe Etsuko , Mori Masayuki X. , Kameyama Masaki 
Published: January 2017

Key points
Cav1.2 channels maintain activity through interactions with calmodulin (CaM). In this study, activities of the Cav1.2 channel (α1C) and of mutant‐derivatives, C‐terminal deleted (α1CΔ) and α1CΔ linked with CaM (α1CΔCaM), were compared in the inside‐out mode.
α1CΔ with CaM, but not without CaM, and α1CΔCaM were active, suggesting that CaM induced channel activity through a dynamic interaction with the channel, even without the distal C‐tail.
ATP induced α1C activity with CaM and enhanced activity of the mutant channels. Okadaic acid mimicked the effect of ATP on the wildtype but not mutant channels.
These results supported the hypothesis that CaM and ATP maintain activity of Cav1.2 channels through their dynamic interactions. ATP effects involve mechanisms both related and unrelated to channel phosphorylation.
CaM‐linked channels are useful tools for investigating Cav1.2 channels in the inside‐out mode; the fast run‐down is prevented by only ATP and the slow run‐down is nearly absent.
AbstractCalmodulin (CaM) plays a critical role in regulation of Cav1.2 Ca2+ channels. CaM binds to the channel directly, maintaining channel activity and regulating it in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. To explore the molecular mechanisms involved, we compared the activity of the wildtype channel (α1C) and mutant derivatives, C‐terminal deleted (α1C∆) and α1C∆ linked to CaM (α1C∆CaM). These were co‐expressed with β2a and α2δ subunits in HEK293 cells. In the inside‐out mode, α1C and α1C∆ showed minimal open‐probabilities in a basic internal solution (run‐down), whereas α1C∆ with CaM and α1C∆CaM maintained detectable channel activity, confirming that CaM was necessary, but not sufficient, for channel activity. Previously, we reported that ATP was required to maintain channel activity of α1C. Unlike α1C, the mutant channels did not require ATP for activation in the early phase (3–5 min). However, α1C∆ with CaM + ATP and α1C∆CaM with ATP maintained activity, even in the late phase (after 7–9 min). These results suggested that CaM and ATP interacted dynamically with the proximal C‐terminal tail of the channel and, thereby, produced channel activity. In addition, okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, could substitute for the effects of ATP on α1C but not on the mutant channels. These results supported the hypothesis that CaM and ATP maintain activity of Cav1.2 channels, further indicating that ATP has dual effects. One maintains phosphorylation of the channel and the other becomes apparent when the distal carboxyl‐terminal tail is removed.