bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood–brain barrier transport of a novel µ1‐specific opioid peptide, H‐Tyr‐d‐Arg‐Phe‐β‐Ala‐OH (TAPA)
Authors: Deguchi Yoshiharu , Miyakawa Yusaku , Sakurada Shinobu , Naito Yu , Morimoto Kazuhiro , Ohtsuki Sumio , Hosoya Ken‐ichi , Terasaki Tetsuya 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanism of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) transport of H‐Tyr‐d‐Arg‐Phe‐β‐Ala‐OH (TAPA), which is a novel dermorphin analog with high affinity for the µ1‐opioid receptor. The in vivo BBB permeation influx rate of [125I]TAPA after an i.v. bolus injection (7.3 pmol/g body weight) into mice was estimated to be 0.265 ± 0.025µL/(min · g of brain). The influx rate of [125I]TAPA was reduced 70% by the coadministration of unlabeled TAPA (33 nmol/g of brain), suggesting the existence of a specific transport system for TAPA at the BBB. In order to elucidate the BBB transport mechanism of TAPA, a conditionally immortalized mouse brain capillary endothelial cell line (TM‐BBB4) was used as an in vitro model of the BBB. The acid‐resistant binding of [125I]TAPA, which represents the internalization of the peptide into cells, was temperature‐ and concentration‐dependent with a half‐saturation constant of 10.0 ± 1.7 µm. The acid‐resistant binding of TAPA was significantly inhibited by 2,4‐dinitrophenol, dansylcadaverine (an endocytosis inhibitor) and poly‐l‐lysine and protamine (polycations). These results suggest that TAPA is transported through the BBB by adsorptive‐mediated endocytosis, which is triggered by binding of the peptide to negatively charged sites on the surface of brain capillary endothelial cells. Blood–brain barrier transport via adsorptive‐mediated endocytosis plays a key role in the expression of the potent opioid activity of TAPA in the CNS.
How patients with dementia spend their time in a psycho‐geriatric unit
Authors: Norbergh Karl‐Gustaf , Asplund Kenneth , Rassmussen Birgit Holritz , Nordahl Gunnar , Sandman Per‐Olof 
Published: March 2003

How patients with dementia spend their time in a psycho‐geriatric unit This paper presents the findings of a work sampling study conducted at an assessment unit for patients with dementia at a university hospital in Northern Sweden. The aim of the study was to describe the activity of the demented patients’ day at a psycho‐geriatric unit, and to investigate the correlation between the patients’ characteristics and time provided by nursing staff, in order to increase our knowledge of institutionalized demented patients situation. The sample consisted of 24 patients with dementia. The activities of patients were monitored at 10‐min interval between 7.00 a.m. and 9.10 p.m. In total, 2024 activities were recorded. The findings showed that being demented and placed in a psycho‐geriatric unit is a life in solitude for most of the time. The variation in time patients spent in solitude could partly be explained by their communication abilities. For patients with dementia, communion is essential for their well‐being. In order to develop their well‐being, it seems important to enhance our knowledge about the reasons, that influence the nursing staffs’ perceptions of patients with dementia, to decrease their time in solitude.
Disability after a stroke and the influence of long‐term pain on everyday life
Authors: Widar Marita , Ahlström Gerd 
Published: March 2003

Disability after a stroke and the influence of long‐term pain on everyday life Pain after a stroke is a symptom often forgotten, unnoticed although it is reported to be a great problem in care. The aim of this study was to describe disability after a stroke and how long‐term pain influences everyday life according to the Multidimensional Pain Inventory – Swedish language version (MPI‐S) and to test the reliability of this instrument. Forty‐three persons were investigated 2 years after the stroke incident: 15 with central post‐stroke pain (CPSP), 18 with nociceptive pain mainly in the shoulder and 10 with tension‐type headache. Data collection was performed through the MPI‐S and a questionnaire regarding assistive devices, also structured interviews based on the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) staircase and the Self‐report impairment questionnaire. The results show that the persons suffered moderate to severe pain. Almost half were dependent in ADL. The most often reported impairments and use of assistive devices concerned mobility and/or motion. This was most frequent in persons with nociceptive pain. There were significant differences in persons with central pain and nociceptive pain compared with tension‐type headache with regard to mobility‐ and/or motion‐related activities. No statistical differences emerged between age, gender, different types of pain and the MPI‐S scales, nor any significant differences in degree of pain as between different types of pain according to the Self‐report impairment questionnaire. The reliability analysis of the MPI‐S shows good homogeneity in all scales except Interference, Life Control and Affective Distress. This is the first study with MPI‐S on mainly older persons and on stroke patients, thus further research is needed on this instrument as well as on which specific activities evoke the pain. This is in order to offer adequate treatment, care and support to persons with pain after a stroke.
Cancer and faith. Having faith – does it make a difference among patients and their informal carers?
Authors: Soothill K. , Morris S. M. , Harman J. C. , Thomas C. , Francis B. , McIllmurray M. B. 
Published: March 2003

Cancer and faith. Having faith – does it make a difference among patients and their informal carers? This research considers the impact of having a religious faith on the cancer experience of patients and informal carers, focusing primarily on the association between faith and psychosocial needs. A questionnaire survey of 1000 patients in the north‐west of England returned 402 completed questionnaires; around two‐thirds of patients indicated they had an informal carer. Using logistic regression analysis, we examine the relationship between the importance of 48 needs and faith for 189 paired patients and carers, while controlling for the effect of eight socio‐demographic and clinical variables. Patients with expressed faith identified fewer psychosocial needs than those without faith. In contrast, carers with expressed faith identified more needs than those without faith in relation to support from family and neighbours. Carers also needed more help with finding a sense of purpose and meaning, and help in dealing with unpredictability. Not surprisingly, both patients and carers with faith identified a greater need for opportunities for personal prayer, support from people of their own faith and support from a spiritual adviser. Various explanations of these differences between patients and carers are proposed. The crucial point is that one should not too readily assume that the cancer experience is shared in the same way by patients and carers. In understanding the faith dimension, one needs to consider both the spiritual and secular aspects of having a religious faith.
Identification of microsatellite loci in apricot
Authors: Lopes M. S. , Sefc K. M. , Laimer M. , Da Câmara Machado A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe sequences of 21 primer pairs of microsatellite loci screened from a genomic library of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) are reported in this study. All the identified microsatellite loci were characterized in a set of 25 apricot cultivars and revealed to be polymorphic with 3–12 alleles per locus. These markers showed to be more informative than isozymes and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) reported in the literature.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the ground beetle Carabus nemoralis (Coleoptera, Carabidae)
Authors: Brouat C. , Mondor‐Genson G. , Audiot P. , Sennedot F. , Lesobre L. , Rasplus J.‐Y. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe isolated and characterized 10 microsatellite loci in the ground beetle Carabus nemoralis (Coleoptera, Carabidae), an ubiquist species largely distributed in Europe. Polymorphism ranged from 3 to 12 alleles on the 30 individuals from the same locality examined.
Dinucleotide microsatellite loci isolated from flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.)
Authors: Cabe Paul R. , Liles J. Spencer 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe report eight variable dinucleotide microsatellite loci cloned from flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.) using a biotin enrichment protocol. Degenerate oligonucleotide primer‐polymerase chain reaction (DOP‐PCR) was used to generate a population of DNA fragments, from which adenine‐cytosine dinucleotide (AC) and adenine‐guanine dinucleotide (AG) repeats were captured using biotinylated probes and streptavidin coated magnetic particles. The captured fragments were cloned into plasmids, and the plasmid library was screened for microsatellites using a simple PCR technique. Selected plasmids were sequenced, and PCR primers were designed and optimized using a thermal‐gradient thermocycler. The loci reported are highly variable with an average of 9.25 allele per locus and an average heterozygosity of 0.84.
Isolation and characterization of highly polymorphic microsatellite loci in Schreibers’ long‐fingered bat, Miniopterus schreibersii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Miller‐Butterworth C. M. , Jacobs D. S. , Harley E. H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFive polymorphic, dinucleotide microsatellite loci have been identified and characterized in Schreibers’ long‐fingered bat, Miniopterus schreibersii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). These include three uninterrupted (CA)n repeats, ranging in length from (CA)17 to (CA)19, one interrupted repeat (CA)4(CG)2(CA)13, and one uninterrupted (GA)27 repeat. All loci were highly polymorphic, with 17–20 alleles identified per locus. Observed heterozygosity levels (0.66–0.82) are lower than expected due to homozygote excess, probably caused by pooling of populations, resulting in population substructuring. All five polymorphic loci were also successfully amplified in the closely related M. fraterculus. Two pairs of primers additionally amplified polymorphic microsatellites in Chaerophon sp.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci for paternity analysis in the Madagascar paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone mutata: Aves)
Authors: Adcock G. J. , Mulder R. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNine polymorphic microsatellite loci from the Madagascar paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone mutata were isolated using nonradioactive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based techniques to screen an enriched genomic library. Seven polymorphic loci showed no evidence of null alleles and exhibited high levels of variation in 18 unrelated individuals (mean diversity = 0.80, mean number of alleles = 13.6). These loci are therefore suitable for analysis of population structure and paternity (exclusion probability for six unlinked loci = 0.9998).
Microsatellite markers in peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] derived from an enriched genomic and cDNA libraries
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Mochida K. , Imai T. , Shi Y. Z. , Ogiwara I. , Hayashi T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTwenty‐four and 12 microsatellite loci were developed in peach [Prunus persica (L) Batsch cv. Akatsuki] by using an enriched genomic and fruit cDNA libraries, respectively. The microsatellite loci obtained from an enriched library produced 1–9 alleles per locus, 24 in total, of which 22 showed polymorphisms. The average values of observed and expected heterozygosities among the 24 loci were 0.15 and 0.68, respectively. The microsatellite loci derived from cDNA showed 1–7 alleles per locus. Eight sequences showed significant homology to the registered genes in a database.
False alleles derived from microbial DNA pose a potential source of error in microsatellite genotyping of DNA from faeces
Authors: Bradley B. J. , Vigilant L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMicrosatellite genotyping of wild animals using DNA extracted from noninvasive samples such as faeces is a powerful means to identify individuals within a population and examine aspects of genetic social structure, such as relatedness and paternity. However, the use of the low quantities of poor quality DNA typically obtained from noninvasive samples can result in genotyping errors. Here we report the first instance of artefactural ‘alleles’ resulting from specific co‐amplification of microorganismal DNA present in the total DNA derived from faeces.
Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the demersal fish Helicolenus dactylopterus (Dela Roche 1809)
Authors: Aboim M. A. , Rogers A. D. , Menezes G. M. , Maggioni R. , Pearson C. V. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSix microsatellite loci were identified for the demersal deep‐sea fish Helicolenus dactylopterus. All loci were highly polymorphic (5–21 alleles per locus). Observed heterozygosities were from 0.378 to 0.868, while the expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.529 to 0.925. Multiplex PCR reactions were optimized. Microsatellite markers were developed for analysis of genetic structure including identification of stocks and migration patterns. The resulting data will be used to help in the establishment of scientifically based fisheries management for this species. Departures from the expected Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed in three loci, and are likely to be a consequence of population structuring across the Azorean islands.
A9. Excess hair: physical and pharmacological treatments
Authors: Kopera Daisy 
Published: March 2003

The growth of unwanted hair can be aesthetically distressing and may psychologically affect both women and men. For centuries, numerous techniques have been employed for this indication.1 Modern medicine has developed effective physical and pharmacological methods for the removal of unwanted hair.Laser technology and the principle of selective photothermolysis offers a new approach.2 Pigmented hair bulbs selectively absorb pulsed laser light of wavelenghts ranging from visible red light to low infrared. Light converts to heat and thermally damages the pigmented hair bulb without affecting the surrounding tissue. The follicular epithelium regenerates slowly and regrowth may occur. Nevertheless, the new hair will be thinner and softer. Depending on the anagen/telogen ratio of various body sites, two or more treatment sessions are required. Pharmacological hair reduction can be achieved by long‐term treatment with antiandrogens or may be based on blocking of the mitotic activity of the follicular epithelium. Eflornithine, in a 13.9% cream preparation thinly applied twice daily, blocks ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme needed for the synthesis of polyamines, the main source of the hair shaft.3Following an average of 2 treatment sessions with the diode laser, sufficient reduction of pigmented hair can be achieved for a mean period of 8 months. Applied topically, Eflornithine is able to reduce the growth of pigmented or unpigmented hair to an extent of at least 50% when applied over a longer period.Compared with conventional mechanical, chemical, and other physical epilatory procedures, modern hair reduction – either laser assisted or pharmacologically‐based – represents highly effective treatment options for the reduction of unwanted hair growth.
A13. Dermocosmoceuticals after ablative and non‐ablative laser and IPL photorejuvenation
Authors: Rusciani Luigi , Rusciani Antonio 
Published: March 2003

During recent years, requests for treatment of photoinduced damage such as wrinkles, atrophy, telangiectasia, dyschromia and enlarged pores have increased considerably.In response to the increase in demand, various techniques have been developed that use light sources that are coherent (laser), or non‐coherent (IPL), or other techniques, such as radio frequencies. Demand is also increasing for treatments for slight blemishes using non‐invasive methods, with a post‐operative course that does not affect the patient's normal working and/or recreational activities.We discuss the possibilities and limits that these procedures present.
A15. Simultaneous, sequential or strategically‐intervalled procedures in dermatological surgery
Authors: Vinciullo Carl 
Published: March 2003

Achieving optimal therapeutic and cosmetic results in dermatological surgery often requires that procedures be carried out in a number of stages. The treatment of acne scarring is an excellent example of this strategic approach.1Simultaneous procedures include, but are not restricted to, treatment of the following: (a) keloids, with surgical debulking and injection of intralesional steroids; (b) acne scars, with spot CO2 laser resurfacing and punch excision, floating or grafting; (c) acne scars, with autologous fat transplantation and full face CO2 laser resurfacing; (d) leg spider veins, with microsclerotherapy and vascular laser treatment; (e) wedge excision of lower lip tumours and CO2 laser vermillionectomy.2Sequential procedures include, but are not restricted to, treatment of the following: (a) acne scarring, with punch excision, floating and grafting followed later by full face CO2 laser resurfacing; (b) congenital naevi (epidermal or melanocytic), with serial surgical excision or use of tissue expanders; (c) surgical scars and full thickness skin grafts followed later with CO2 laser resurfacing; (d) periorbital (‘crows’ feet’) wrinkling with CO2 laser resurfacing followed later with Botulinum toxin injection; (e) two stage interpolation flaps for reconstruction of complex defects following Mohs surgery.
Dominance and huddling behaviour in Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata flocks
Authors: Calf Kathleen , Adams Nigel , Slotow Robert 
Published: March 2003

Bronze Mannikins Lonchura cucullata form flocks of up to 30 birds at the end of the breeding season and huddle in communal nests during winter. Assuming there are thermoregulatory benefits associated with huddling for these small endotherms, particularly during winter, we predicted that dominant individuals in flocks would obtain the central locations within the huddles. We tested this prediction by determining the dominance hierarchies of six captive flocks of five individuals by examining interactions at a feeder. Mannikins were observed to huddle when cold‐stressed. Although mannikins do not naturally form linear huddles, for ease of observation we recorded the positions of individually marked birds in linear huddles at 5 °C before and after disturbances every half hour for 3 h. Captive flocks of mannikins established linear dominance hierarchies and dominant individuals obtained the central location within the huddle. The central position in the huddle may be beneficial in thermodynamically challenging environments through reduced energy expenditure.
Effects of food abundance and predictability on body condition and health parameters: experimental tests with the Hooded Crow
Authors: Acquarone Camilla , Cucco Marco , Cauli Shara Li , Malacarne Giorgio 
Published: March 2003

It has been shown that small passerines can counteract variability of food resources by actively regulating their body reserves through an increase of mass. However, the effects of food predictability on body mass regulation and other body parameters, such as immune functions, in larger species have been little studied. To analyse the response of the Hooded Crow Corvus corone to food abundance and predictability, we performed three experiments with controlled food provisioning under laboratory conditions. Body mass, TOBEC (total body electrical conductivity) lean mass index, blood parameters and immune organ masses were measured at the beginning and end of a 15‐day period. In the first experiment, the food release was predictable (same amount each day) but the quantity of food delivered to five groups of birds varied (37, 75, 100, 150 or 300 g/day). Low food levels induced a greater decrease in mass accompanied by an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In the second experiment, the same average quantity of food (100 g) was supplied according to either predictable or unpredictable (random) schedules. In this case, the crows lost more mass, and their erythrocyte sedimentation rate increased when food was unpredictable. In the third experiment, the same average quantity of food (150 g) was supplied according to either a predictable schedule or two schedules with different levels of variability. The group with a low level of variability did not differ from the control, while the group with a highly variable feeding schedule lost more mass. In this group, the higher mass loss was associated with greater variation of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a reduced Phytohaemagglutinin index of immunocompetence and haematocrit value. The results of experiments 2 and 3 contrast with findings in other passerines, which increase their mass when food availability is unpredictable. It appears that a body mass decrease in the Hooded Crow can be induced by a reduction of either food abundance (exp. 1) or food predictability (exp. 2, 3), and it is accompanied by a worsening of health state.
Lack of sperm production and sperm storage by arctic‐nesting shorebirds during spring migration
Authors: Rivers James W. , Briskie James V. 
Published: March 2003

Birds nesting at high latitudes may copulate during migration to arrive on the nesting grounds ready to breed. We surveyed 12 species of shorebirds during spring migration to determine whether (1) males produced abundant sperm and (2) females harboured functional sperm storage tubules (SSTs). Sperm production by males on migration was rare. Only four of seven species (9.8% of 41 males) of long‐distance migrants harboured sperm, whereas all four species (100% of eight males) of short‐distance migrants held sperm. In females, no long‐distance migrants held sperm in their SSTs (n = 28 females) and SSTs were small compared to long‐distance migrants collected on their breeding grounds. Our results indicate that shorebirds nesting at high latitudes were generally not reproductively active during migration and that any sexual behaviour on migration is unlikely to lead directly to fertilizations.
Ocular blood flow tonometer reproducibility: the effect of operator experience and mode of application
Authors: Morgan Andrew , Hosking Sarah 
Published: March 2003

Summary Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the effect of learning and the reproducibility of measurements varied between the two methods of application (hand‐held or slit‐lamp mounted) of the ocular blood flow (OBF) tonometer. Method: Five consecutive measurements by each method were taken at one examination session on one eye of 35 healthy adults (mean age 36.6 years and range 17–84 years). The subjects were seated for all measures and the sequence of tonometer method was randomised between subjects. Results: A new operator does exhibit a significant learning effect and this learning effect is of a greater magnitude for the hand‐held technique. No significant difference was found between methods for pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF), IOP, pulse amplitude and heart rate. Both methods of application had a high coefficient of reliability for POBF: 0.91 for slit‐lamp and 0.89 for hand‐held. Conclusions: We conclude that results from both methods of OBF tonometer application are reliable and either method can be used for clinical and research studies. However it is important that new operators gain sufficient experience with the OBF tonometer to avoid initial operator‐induced variability.