bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life in older people with dementia: A multilevel study of individual attributes and residential care center characteristics
Authors: Marventano Stefano , Prieto‐Flores Maria‐Eugenia , Sanz‐Barbero Belén , Martín‐García Salomé , Fernandez‐Mayoralas Gloria , Rojo‐Perez Fermina , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Forjaz Maria João ,   Spanish Research Group on Quality of Life and Ageing
Published: January 2014

AimTo analyze how the characteristics of institutionalized older people with dementia and residential care centers are associated with the individual's quality of life (QoL).MethodsData were collected from a survey carried out on 525 elderly people aged 60 years or older in 14 nursing care homes across Spain. Multilevel linear analysis to assess the differences in QoL level between centers and individuals was carried out.ResultsThe characteristics of the individuals that were associated with a higher QoL were functional independence, health status and gathering with family, friends or neighbors. In contrast, higher levels of dementia, depression and the length of institutionalization had a negative effect on QoL. In relation to the residential care center characteristics, the availability of geriatricians was associated with higher QoL, compared with those centers with no geriatricians on staff. In addition, public centers (public ownership and publicly‐funded residents) were also associated with higher QoL than private/mixed centers. The multilevel analysis showed that the 16.4% of the differences in QoL was related to residence factors.ConclusionThese results reflect the importance of the functional, social, mental and residential dimensions in the QoL of older adults with dementia. Actions devoted to improving these key dimensions would contribute to promote the well‐being of this vulnerable population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 104–110.
The demographics of the United States haemophilia treatment centre social workers: the results of a national survey
Authors: Geary M. K. , McGeady L. , Dunn L. , Pennick L. , Johnson M. , Stolfi A. 
Published: January 2014

SummarySocial Workers (SWs) are vital members of the multidisciplinary health care teams at Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs) across the US. However, little research has been done to identify the demographics and qualifications of HTC SWs. In response to this lack of data, a subcommittee from the Social Work Working Group sponsored by the National Hemophilia Foundation conducted a national online survey in 2010. The authors attempted to ascertain the demographics and characteristics of SWs who work at HTCs across the country. The purpose of this article is to report the results of this online survey and evaluate the parameters of SW demographics in HTCs. Electronic surveys were sent to 143 HTC SWs. Ten were excluded and 100 were completed and returned, yielding a 75% response rate. The great majority of HTC SWs are women and almost half are middle‐aged (aged 40–59). They represent a highly educated, very experienced group of professionals. When asked why respondents stayed in their positions at the HTCs, answers appeared to highly correlate to factors related to the HTC multidisciplinary team model. The high survey response rate of 75% reflects the interest of HTC SWs in obtaining data that describe and quantify their qualifications. This information may serve as validation of the haemophilia SW role in times of funding cuts. It may also give a basis for the recruitment and retention of SWs in the haemophilia field.
Effects of vitamin D3 stimulation of thioredoxin‐interacting protein in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hamilton James P. , Potter James J. , Koganti Lahari , Meltzer Stephen J. , Mezey Esteban 
Published: January 2014

AimThioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) promotes oxidative stress by inactivating thioredoxin (TXN). This protein is involved in diverse disease processes, including insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and carcinogenesis. The aim of the present study was to measure the expression and function of TXNIP in in vitro models of liver disease, as well as in primary human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue specimens. In addition, we wanted to determine the effects of vitamin D3‐induced TXNIP stimulation in HCC‐derived cell lines.MethodsTXNIP expression was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blots. TXNIP expression was stimulated by vitamin D exposure and by transfection. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species were determined by standard assays.ResultsTXNIP expression levels were low in HCC cell lines, and vitamin D3 stimulated TXNIP expression in vitro. In HCC cells transfected with a TXNIP expression vector or treated with exogenous vitamin D3, there was a reduction in cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis. Cells expressing TXNIP were markedly susceptible to oxidative injury induced by cobalt chloride or bacterial lipopolysaccharide. TXNIP expression was reduced or absent in a majority of primary human HCC specimens relative to matching, non‐cancerous liver tissue.ConclusionTXNIP expression is low or absent in human HCC specimens and HCC‐derived cell lines. Vitamin D3 stimulates TXNIP expression, resulting in diminished proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. Liver cells expressing TXNIP are primed for oxidative injury. These findings suggest that stimulation of TXNIP expression, by factors such as vitamin D3, may attenuate carcinogenesis in patients with chronic liver disease.
The increased gastroprotective effect of pioglitazone in cholestatic rats: role of nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor alpha
Authors: Moezi Leila , Janahmadi Zeinab , Amirghofran Zahra , Nekooeian Ali Akbar , Dehpour Ahmad R. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe prevalence of gastric ulcers is high in cholestatic patients, but the exact mechanism of this increased frequency remains uncertain. It has been shown that pioglitazone accelerates the healing of pre‐existing gastric ulcers. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of pioglitazone, on the gastric mucosal lesions in cholestatic rats. Cholestasis was induced by surgical ligation of common bile duct and sham‐operated rats served as control. Different groups of sham and cholestatic animals received solvent or pioglitazone (5, 15, 30 mg/kg) for 7 days. On the day eight rats were killed after oral ethanol administration and the area of gastric lesions was measured. The serums of rats were also collected to determine serum levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), IL‐1β and bilirubin. The ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal damage was significantly more severe in cholestatic rats than sham‐operated ones. Pretreatment with pioglitazone dose‐dependently attenuated gastric lesions induced by ethanol in both sham and cholestatic rats, but this effect was more prominent in cholestatic ones. The effect of pioglitazone was associated with a significant fall in serum levels of TNF‐α in cholestatic rats. L‐NAME, a non‐selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and decreased pioglitazone‐induced gastroprotective effect in cholestatic rats, while aminoguanidine, a selective inducible NOS inhibitor, potentiated pioglitazone‐induced gastroprotective effect in the cholestatic rats. Chronic treatment with pioglitazone exerts an enhanced gastroprotective effect on the stomach ulcers of cholestatic rats compared to sham rats probably due to constitutive NOS induction and/or inducible NOS inhibition and attenuating release of TNF‐α.
Consumers’ attitudes, trust and willingness to pay for food information
Authors: Nocella Giuseppe , Romano Donato , Stefani Gianluca 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMarket failure can be corrected using different regulatory approaches ranging from high to low intervention. Recently, classic regulations have been criticized as costly and economically irrational, and thus, policy makers are giving more consideration to soft regulatory techniques such as information remedies. However, despite the plethora of food information conveyed by different media there appears to be a lack of studies exploring how consumers evaluate this information and how trust towards publishers influence their choices for food information. In order to fill such a gap, this study investigates questions related to topics that are more relevant to consumers, who should disseminate trustful food information, and how communication should be conveyed and segmented. Primary data were collected both through qualitative (in‐depth interviews and focus groups) and quantitative research (web and mail surveys). Attitudes, willingness to pay (WTP) for food information and trust towards public and private sources conveying information through a new food magazine were assessed using both multivariate statistical methods and econometric analysis. The study shows that consumer attitudes towards food information topics can be summarized along three cognitive‐affective dimensions: the agro‐food system, enjoyment and wellness. Information related to health risks caused by nutritional disorders and food safety issues caused by bacteria and chemical substances is the most important for about 90% of respondents. Food information related to regulations and traditions is also considered important for more than two‐thirds of respondents, whereas information about food production and processing techniques, lifestyle and food fads are considered less important by the majority of respondents. Trust towards food information disseminated by public bodies is higher than that observed for private bodies. This behaviour directly affects WTP for food information provided by public and private publishers when markets are shocked by a food safety incident. WTP for consumer association (€1.80) and the European Food Safety Authority (€1.30) are higher than WTP for the independent and food industry publishers that cluster around zero euro. Furthermore, trust towards the type of publisher also plays a key role in food information market segmentation together with socio‐demographic and economic variables such as gender, age, presence of children and income. These findings invite policy makers to reflect on the possibility of using information remedies conveyed using trusted sources of information to specific segments of consumers as an interesting soft alternative to the classic way of regulating modern food markets.JEL codes: D12, D18, D89, Q18.
Practical aspects of telehealth: doctor–patient relationship and communication
Authors: Sabesan S. , Allen D. , Caldwell P. , Loh P. K. , Mozer R. , Komesaroff P. A. , Talman P. , Williams M. , Shaheen N. , Grabinski O. ,   The Royal Australasian College of Physicians Telehealth Working Group
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe fourth in a series of articles about the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper provides advice and information for specialists to communicate effectively with patients during a telehealth video consultation.
With or Without Force? European Public Opinion on Democracy Promotion
Authors: Faust Jörg , Garcia Maria Melody 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis article investigates the impact of European citizens' socio‐economic backgrounds, political orientations and countries of origin on their support for democracy promotion in general and on democracy promotion via military means. Analyzing survey data from 11 European Union (EU) member countries, we show that citizens with more extreme political orientations are less likely to support general democracy promotion. In contrast, particularly those citizens with extreme rightist orientations are more likely to support democracy promotion via military means. Regarding the impact of socio‐economic background variables, higher education and working skills are positively associated with democracy promotion in general, but make citizens less likely to support democracy promotion via military means. Finally, even if the majority of Europeans do not support democracy promotion via military means, the heterogeneity of country effects suggests that the assumption of a common European identity regarding democracy promotion needs to be refined.
‘Newcomer adaptation’: a lens through which to understand how nursing students fit in with the real world of practice
Authors: Houghton Catherine E 
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectivesTo present a discussion on newcomer adaptation as a lens through which to understand how nursing students adapt to clinical practice and raise awareness of strategies that can be used to enhance their learning experiences.BackgroundSocialisation is an important factor that facilitates students’ learning in the clinical setting. Therefore, it is beneficial to examine organisational socialisation literature, particularly that pertaining to newcomer adaptation.DesignThis is a critical review of organisational socialisation literature.MethodsSeminal literature and more recent research in the field of organisational socialisation and newcomer adaptation were accessed. In addition, nursing and allied health literature examining students’ socialisation and the clinical learning environment was retrieved.ConclusionsIt is revealed in this article that to create an appropriate clinical learning environment, an understanding of socialisation tactics could be beneficial. Role modelling is deemed crucial to successful newcomer adaptation. Peer support is necessary but must be advocated with caution as it can have a negative impact when students form a ‘parallel community’. Students with some knowledge of the workplace tend to adapt more easily. Likewise, students’ disposition and, in particular, their confidence can also enhance the socialisation process.Relevance to clinical practiceBoth the organisation and the student can impact on how successfully the nursing student ‘fits in’. Understanding this through the lens of newcomer adaptation means that strategies can be put in place to facilitate this process.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate increases an intracellular Ca2+ concentration via S1P3 receptor in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Fujii Kazumi , Machida Takuji , Iizuka Kenji , Hirafuji Masahiko 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Objective
We investigated the effect of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) on intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Methods
Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was determined using a fluorescence dye fura-2/AM. Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) were transfected into VSMCs to deplete the expression of S1P2 and S1P3 receptors.

Key findings
S1P induced a rapid and transient elevation in [Ca2+]i, which was maximal 1 min after the stimulation, followed by a sustained increase. When extracellular Ca2+ was removed, a decrease in resting level and a small and transient increase in [Ca2+]i by S1P stimulation were observed. siRNA targeted for the S1P3 receptor almost completely inhibited the S1P-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. The rapid and transient increase in [Ca2+]i was significantly inhibited by diltiazem at a high concentration. Pertussis toxin and a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor inhibited the S1P-induced increase in [Ca2+]i regardless of the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, S1P activated store-operated and receptor-operated Ca2+ entry.

Conclusions
These results suggest that S1P increases [Ca2+]i via the S1P3 receptor by inducing an influx of extracellular Ca2+ partially through the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, as well as by mobilizing Ca2+ from its intracellular stores. S1P3 receptor-coupled Gi/o protein and PLC activation mediate the mechanisms.
Periodontal disease associated with red complex bacteria in dogs
Authors: Di Bello A. , Buonavoglia A. , Franchini D. , Valastro C. , Ventrella G. , Greco M. F. , Corrente M. 
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVERed complex bacteria (Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis) play a major role in the aetiology of periodontal disease in humans. This study was designed to evaluate the association of such bacteria with periodontal disease in dogs.METHODSSeventy‐three subgingival samples taken from dogs ranging from 2 months to 12 years (median age 4 years) were tested for red complex bacteria using a polymerase chain reaction assay.RESULTSThirty‐six of 73 (49 · 3%) dogs were found to be positive for T. forsythia and P. gingivalis. Dogs with gingivitis or periodontitis were more likely to be infected with T. forsythia and P. gingivalis [odds ratio (OR) 5 · 4 (confidence interval (CI) 1 · 9‐15 · 6), P = 0 · 002] than healthy animals. Only 3 (4 · 1%) of 73 samples were positive for red complex bacteria, but the association with periodontal disease was not significant.Conclusion And Clinical RelevanceThe results indicate that involvement of red complex bacteria in periodontal disease in dogs is similar to that observed in humans. Only the concurrent presence of T. forsythia and P. gingivalis were correlated to periodontal disease in dogs in this study.
Associations between sleep habits and mental health status and suicidality in a longitudinal survey of monozygotic twin adolescents
Authors: Matamura Misato , Tochigi Mamoru , Usami Satoshi , Yonehara Hiromi , Fukushima Masako , Nishida Atsushi , Togo Fumiharu , Sasaki Tsukasa 
Published: January 2014

SummarySeveral epidemiological studies have indicated that there is a relationship between sleep habits, such as sleep duration, bedtime and bedtime regularity, and mental health status, including depression and anxiety in adolescents. However, it is still to be clarified whether the relationship is direct cause‐and‐effect or mediated by the influence of genetic and other traits, i.e. quasi‐correlation. To examine this issue, we conducted a twin study using a total of 314 data for monozygotic twins from a longitudinal survey of sleep habits and mental health status conducted in a unified junior and senior high school (grades 7–12), located in Tokyo, Japan. Three‐level hierarchical linear model analysis showed that both bedtime and sleep duration had significant associations with the Japanese version of the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) score, suicidal thoughts and the experience of self‐harm behaviours when genetic factors and shared environmental factors, which were completely shared between co‐twins, were controlled for. These associations were statistically significant even after controlling for bedtime regularity, which was also associated significantly with the GHQ‐12 score. These suggest that the associations between sleep habits and mental health status were still statistically significant after controlling for the influence of genetic and shared environmental factors of twins, and that there may be a direct cause‐and‐effect in the relationship in adolescents. Thus, late bedtime and short sleep duration could predict subsequent development of depression and anxiety, including suicidal or self‐injury risk. This suggests that poor mental health status in adolescents might be improved by health education and intervention concerning sleep and lifestyle habits.
Partnering Through Science: Developing Linguistic Insight to Address Educational Inequality for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students in U.S. STEM Education
Authors: Mallinson Christine , Charity Hudley Anne H. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractLinguists must build and strengthen research partnerships with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators to further investigate linguistic and cultural diversity and academic inequality in STEM education in the U.S. We review key issues and themes from literature on the role of language in U.S. STEM education and the linguistic and ideological roots of barriers to STEM achievement for culturally and linguistically diverse students. We assess ways that linguists have engaged with educators and teachers, learning from humanities‐ and social science‐based partnerships and adapting them to STEM contexts. We then examine specific and significant challenges that culturally and linguistically diverse student populations in STEM areas often face, with a focus on structural, sociocultural, and ideological barriers. Finally, we advocate for forging partnerships with STEM educators that establish a well‐defined rationale for collaboration across linguistics and STEM, yielding basic and applied research benefits.
Deletion of Vitamin C biosynthesis enzyme, Arabino‐1, 4‐lactone oxidase in Leishmania donovani results in increased pro‐inflammatory responses from host immune cells
Authors: Manhas Reetika , Anand Sneha , Tripathi Pankaj , Madhubala Rentala 
Published: January 2014

SummaryRecently, we reported molecular characterization, localization and functional importance of Arabino‐1, 4‐lactone oxidase (ALO) enzyme from Leishmania donovani that catalyses the last step in ascorbate biosynthesis pathway. Vitamin C (l‐ascorbic acid) is implicated in several crucial physiological processes. To elucidate the biological role of d‐arabinono‐γ‐lactone oxidase in Leishmania, we made L. donovani ALO null mutant (ΔALO) by double targeted gene replacement. This mutant lacked ALO activity, showed transient growth defect and reduced ascorbate levels. ΔALO grown in ascorbate depleted media further enhanced growth defect with no detectable levels of ascorbate, implying that parasites have the ability to scavenge ascorbate. ΔALO mutants showed reduced survival in mouse macrophages and are impaired in their infectivity in vivo. Furthermore, the ΔALO mutant induced production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines gamma interferon (IFN‐gamma), interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) by infected mouse macrophages. These mutants were susceptible to oxidative stresses in vitro as revealed by the decreased survival inside macrophages by increased production of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. Complementation of the ΔALO mutants restored the phenotypic effects in these parasites. Our description of ALO null mutant parasite that triggers pro‐inflammatory host responses provides a novel platform for targeting ALO in anti‐parasitic strategies.
Standardization and application of metrics to quantify human‐interaction behaviors by the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops spp.)
Authors: Perrtree Robin M. , Kovacs Carolyn J. , Cox Tara M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe conditioning of dolphins to human‐interaction behaviors has been documented in several areas worldwide. However, the metrics used to report human‐interaction behaviors vary among studies, making comparison across study areas difficult. The purpose of this study was to develop standard metrics for reporting human‐interaction behaviors and utilize these metrics to quantify the prevalence of human‐interaction behaviors by common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) near Savannah, Georgia. The four metrics used were percentage of days with human‐interaction behaviors, percentage of sightings with human‐interaction behaviors, percentage of the catalog that interacted with humans, and spatial extent of human‐interaction behaviors. Human‐interaction behaviors were observed on 69.6% of days and 23.5% of sightings near Savannah. In addition, 20.1% of the animals in the catalog were observed interacting with humans. These rates are much higher than those found in other areas with known issues with human‐interaction behaviors. These behaviors were observed across an area of 272.6 km2, which is larger than other reported areas. The four metrics used in this study proved to be a valuable way to report human‐interaction behaviors, and their use is recommended for future studies to allow for comparison among areas.