bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medical messages in the media – barriers and solutions to improving medical journalism
Authors: Larsson Anna , Oxman Andrew D , Carling Cheryl , Herrin Jeph 
Published: November 2003

AbstractContext  Medical issues are widely reported in the mass media. These reports influence the general public, policy makers and health‐care professionals. This information should be valid, but is often criticized for being speculative, inaccurate and misleading. An understanding of the obstacles medical reporters meet in their work can guide strategies for improving the informative value of medical journalism.Objective  To investigate constraints on improving the informative value of medical reports in the mass media and elucidate possible strategies for addressing these.Design  We reviewed the literature and organized focus groups, a survey of medical journalists in 37 countries, and semi‐structured telephone interviews.Results  We identified nine barriers to improving the informative value of medical journalism: lack of time, space and knowledge; competition for space and audience; difficulties with terminology; problems finding and using sources; problems with editors and commercialism. Lack of time, space and knowledge were the most common obstacles. The importance of different obstacles varied with the type of media and experience. Many health reporters feel that it is difficult to find independent experts willing to assist journalists, and also think that editors need more education in critical appraisal of medical news. Almost all of the respondents agreed that the informative value of their reporting is important. Nearly everyone wanted access to short, reliable and up‐to‐date background information on various topics available on the Internet. A majority (79%) was interested in participating in a trial to evaluate strategies to overcome identified constraints.Conclusion  Medical journalists agree that the validity of medical reporting in the mass media is important. A majority acknowledge many constraints. Mutual efforts of health‐care professionals and journalists employing a variety of strategies will be needed to address these constraints.
Involving users in low back pain research
Authors: Ong Bie Nio , Hooper Helen 
Published: November 2003

AbstractObjective  To involve users in the design of a research project that aims at describing a 12‐month course of low back pain in an adult population sample (epidemiological strand), and to determine how patient and professional perceptions of low back pain and its treatment relate to the use of health‐care and to subsequent outcome (qualitative strand).Design  Three focus groups were organized in the preparatory phase of the project with general practitioners, other health professionals and low back pain sufferers. Issues pertaining to the experience of living with, or treating low back pain were explored and users were asked to identify relevant research questions for consideration within the study.Findings  The focus groups revealed tensions between involving users as co‐researchers for design issues and their role as sufferers and health professionals who want to share their narrative accounts of low back pain. The group discussions produced a wealth of material for analysis, but no explicitly stated research topics. Three key themes and the process of user involvement in the focus groups are discussed.Conclusions  The focus group format could be restrictive in that it allows for detailed exchange between participants, but is insufficiently geared towards the production of a research agenda. We draw conclusions as to possible approaches for user involvement in health services research design.
Biological control of phytophagous ladybird beetles Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Col., Coccinellidae) by chitinolytic phylloplane bacteria Alcaligenes paradoxus entrapped in alginate beads
Authors: Otsu Y. , Matsuda Y. , Shimizu H. , Ueki H. , Mori H. , Fujiwara K. , Nakajima T. , Miwa A. , Nonomura T. , Sakuratani Y. , Tosa Y. , Mayama S. , Toyoda H. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract:The chitinase secreting strain KPM‐012A of Alcaligenes paradoxus was isolated from tomato leaves and vitally entrapped in sodium alginate gel beads to provide a new method for biocontrol of phytophagous ladybird beetles Epilachna vigintioctopunctata. First, the peritrophic membrane was dissected from the adult ladybird beetles that ingested the suspension of KPM‐012A after starvation to observe degradation of the midgut surface by the bacteria under electron microscopy. The peritrophic membrane around the bacteria was degraded, suggesting the release of chitinase from the ingested bacteria. Large amounts of chitinase were successfully released from KPM‐012A‐entrapped calcium alginate beads. This chitinase release from the microbial beads was sustained for 1 week and was sufficient to digest the peritrophic membrane. Daily supply of tomato leaves treated with the microbial beads caused considerable suppression of leaf feeding and oviposition by the adult ladybird beetles, indicating that this method is effective for decreasing population of insect pests in the subsequent generation. Thus, the present study provided an experimental basis for the biocontrol measures of herbivorous insect pests by the chitinolytic bacteria entrapped in alginate beads.
Why Clinical Governance is Important: An Approach to the Resolution of Managerial and Professional Conflict in Mental Health
Authors: Singh Bruce 
Published: November 2003

Objective: To provide a background to the reasons for the inevitability of managerial and professional conflict in the modern mental health system and the possible role of clinical governance in providing a resolution to this conflict. Methods: Literature review, historical overview and personal observation. Results: Social and political world changes have led to governments’ decreasing role in the economy, which is one of the major factors impacting on the public mental health system, leading to managerial and professional conflict as increasing demand meets limited resources. Conclusion: Until the major participants in the health system come together, such conflicts will continue. Clinical governance provides a means for this to occur.
Scientific Child Psychiatry: An Oxymoron?
Authors: Vance Alasdair 
Published: November 2003

Objective: The central issue of an apparent contradiction between science as a discourse and the field of child psychiatry is addressed and significant biological contributions outlined. Conclusions: The apparent contradiction within the aims of science is evident in psychiatry, particularly in child psychiatry, given the predominant psychodynamic and family systems theories and practices and the complexity of the developmental context of children. However, empirically grounded advances suggest that biological and indeed scientific child psychiatry is credible, informative and useful for case assessment, psychological and medication treatment selection and monitoring.
What is Alive and What is Dead in the Theory of Corporatism
Authors: Baccaro Lucio 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe term ‘corporatism’ simultaneously designates a particular interest group structure, characterized by monopolistic, centralized and internally non‐democratic associations, and a particular policy‐making process, also known as ‘concertation’ or ‘social partnership’. This paper argues that structure and process may no longer be closely associated. By focusing on the Irish and Italian cases, it shows that concertation is perfectly compatible with a non‐corporatist structure of the interest representation system. Inter‐ and intra‐organizational co‐ordination remains important for the viability of concertation. However, it can be achieved, even in relatively fragmented systems like the Irish and the Italian, through alternative mechanisms relying on democracy and discussion.
Apoptosis during intramembranous ossification
Authors: Palumbo Carla , Ferretti Marzia , De Pol Anto 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThis paper concerns the role of apoptosis during the onset of bone histogenesis. Previous investigations by us performed on intramembranous ossification revealed the existence of two types of osteogenesis: static (SBF) and dynamic bone formation (DBF). During SBF, the first to occur, stationary osteoblasts transform into osteocytes in the same location where they differentiated, forming the primary spongiosa. DBF takes place later, when movable osteoblastic laminae differentiate along the surface of the primary trabeculae. The main distinctive feature between SBF and DBF is that the latter involves the invasion of pre‐existing adjacent tissue, whereas the former does not. To ascertain whether programmed cell death during the invasive DBF process determines the fate of surrounding pre‐existing mesenchyme differently from that occurring during the non‐invasive SBF process, we studied apoptosis in ossification centres of tibial diaphysis in chick embryos and newborn rabbits with TUNEL and TEM. It emerged that, in both SBF and DBF, apoptosis affects mesenchymal cells located between the forming trabeculae and capillaries. However, apoptotic cells were observed more frequently during DBF than during SBF. This suggests that, during bone histogenesis, apoptosis, which is mostly associated with the invasive process of DBF, is probably dedicated to making space for advancing bone growth.
Amino terminal interaction in the prion protein identified using fusion to green fluorescent protein
Authors: Yao Yongxiu , Ren Junyuan , Jones Ian M. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIn contrast to the well‐characterized carboxyl domain, the amino terminal half of the mature cellular prion protein has no defined structure. Here, following fusion of mouse prion protein fragments to green fluorescence protein as a reporter of protein stability, we report extreme variability in fluorescence level that is dependent on the prion fragment expressed. In particular, exposure of the extreme amino terminus in the context of a truncated prion protein molecule led to rapid degradation, whereas the loss of only six amino terminal residues rescued high level fluorescence. Study of the precise endpoints and residue identity associated with high fluorescence suggested a domain within the amino terminal half of the molecule defined by a long‐range intramolecular interaction between 23KKRPKP28 and 143DWED146 and dependent upon the anti‐parallel β‐sheet ending at residue 169 and normally associated with the structurally defined carboxyl terminal domain. This previously unreported interaction may be significant for understanding prion bioactivity and for structural studies aimed at the complete prion structure.
Coupling of neuronal 5‐HT7 receptors to activation of extracellular‐regulated kinase through a protein kinase A‐independent pathway that can utilize Epac
Authors: Lin Stanley L. , Johnson‐Farley Nadine N. , Lubinsky David R. , Cowen Daniel S. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe roles of 3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A in 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)7 receptor‐mediated activation of extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK) were studied in cultured hippocampal neurons and transfected PC12 cells. Activation of ERK by neuronal Gs‐coupled receptors has been thought to proceed through a protein kinase A‐dependent pathway. In fact we identified coupling of 5‐HT7 receptors to activation of adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase A. However, no inhibition of agonist‐stimulated ERK activation was found when cells were treated with H‐89 and KT5720 at concentrations sufficient to completely inhibit activation of protein kinase A. However, activation of ERK was found to be sensitive to the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor 9‐(tetrahydrofuryl)‐adenine, suggesting a possible role for a cAMP‐guanine nucleotide exchange factor (cAMP‐GEF). Co‐treatment of cells with 8‐(4‐chlorophenylthio)‐2′‐O‐methyladenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate, a direct activator of the cAMP‐GEFs Epac1 and 2, reversed the inhibition of agonist‐stimulated ERK activation induced by adenylyl cyclase inhibition. Additionally, over‐expression of Epac1 enhanced 5‐HT7 receptor‐mediated activation of ERK. These results demonstrate that the activation of ERK mediated by neuronal Gs‐coupled receptors can proceed through cAMP‐dependent pathways that utilize cAMP‐GEFs rather than protein kinase A.
Neuromedin U and Neuromedin U receptor‐2 expression in the mouse and rat hypothalamus: effects of nutritional status
Authors: Graham E. S. , Turnbull Y. , Fotheringham P. , Nilaweera K. , Mercer J. G. , Morgan P. J. , Barrett P. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractNeuromedin U (NMU) has been associated with the regulation of food‐intake and energy balance in rats. The objective of this study was to identify the sites of gene expression for NMU and the NMU receptor‐2 (NMU2R) in the mouse and rat hypothalamus and ascertain the effects of nutritional status on the expression of these genes. In situ hybridization studies revealed that NMU is expressed in several regions of the mouse hypothalamus associated with the regulation of energy balance. Analysis of NMU expression in the obese ob/ob mouse revealed that NMU mRNA levels were elevated in the dorsomedial hypothalamic (DMH) nucleus of obese ob/ob mice compared to lean litter‐mates. In addition, NMU mRNA levels were elevated in the DMH of mice fasted for 24 h relative to ad libitum fed controls. The pattern of expression of NMU and NMU2R were more widespread in the hypothalamus of mice than rats. These data provide the first detailed anatomical analysis of the NMU and NMU2R expression in the mouse and advance our knowledge of expression in the rat. The data from the obese rodent models supports the hypothesis that NMU is involved in the regulation of nutritional status.
Peptidergic modulation of male sexual behavior inLymnaea stagnalis: structural and functional characterization of –FVamide neuropeptides
Authors: Smit A. B. , Van Kesteren R. E. , Spijker S. , Van Minnen J. , Van Golen F. A. , Jiménez C. R. , Li K. W. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIn the simultaneous hermaphrodite snailLymnaea stagnalis, copulation as a male is controlled by neurons that send axons to the male copulatory organs via a single penis nerve. Using direct mass spectrometry of a penis nerve sample, we show that one of the molecular ions has a mass corresponding to GAPRFVamide, previously identified from the buccal ganglia, and namedLymnaeainhibitory peptide (LIP). The identity of this peptide is confirmed by partial peptide purification from the penis nerve, followed by post source decay mass spectrometry. We cloned the LIP‐encoding cDNA, which predicts a prohormone that gives rise to five copies of LIP (now re‐named LIP A), two other –FVamide peptides (LIPs B and C), and five structurally unrelated peptides. The LIP gene is expressed in neurons of the right cerebral ventral lobe that send their axons into the penis nerve. We show that the LIP A peptide is present in these neurons and in the penis nerve, and confirmed the presence of LIP B and C in the penis nerve by post source decay mass spectrometry. Finally, we demonstrate that LIP A, B and C inhibit the contractions of the penis retractor muscle, thereby implicating their role in male copulation behavior.
‘Passive stabilization’ of striatal extracellular dopamine across the lesion spectrum encompassing the presymptomatic phase of Parkinson's disease: a voltammetric study in the 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rat
Authors: Bergstrom Brian P. , Garris Paul A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractSymptoms of Parkinson's disease do not present until the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons is nearly complete. Maintenance of dopaminergic tone governing striatal efferents is postulated to preserve motor control during the presymptomatic phase, but the neuroadaptation responsible for normalization is not completely understood. In particular, the prevailing view that surviving dopaminergic neurons compensate by up‐regulating release has been difficult to demonstrate directly. Here we investigate dopaminergic neurotransmission in the hemiparkinsonian rat using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon‐fiber microelectrodes. Electrical stimulation was used to elicit extracellular dopamine levels mimicking the steady‐state dynamics of tonic dopaminergic signaling. In agreement with microdialysis studies, evoked steady‐state dopamine levels remained constant over the entire lesion spectrum (0 to ∼85%) observed during the presymptomatic stage. Kinetic analysis of the voltammetric recordings demonstrated that evoked dopamine concentrations were normalized without plasticity of dopamine release and uptake, suggesting that the primary mechanisms controlling ambient levels of extracellular dopamine were not actively altered. In the present study, we formalize this neuroadaptation as ‘passive stabilization’. We further propose that passive stabilization is mediated by the simple physical principles of diffusion and steady state, is predicated on extrasynaptic transmission, and forms the basis for a new compensation model of preclinical parkinsonism.
Studies in conservation genetics of tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) — V. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci
Authors: Blandon Ivonne R. , De León Francisco J. Garcia , Ward Rocky , Van Den Bussche Ronald A. , Needleman David S. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe tarpon, Megalops atlanticus, supports important recreational fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Declines in segments of these fisheries have prompted questions concerning genetic stock structure in this species. Preparatory to a survey of genetic variation in tarpon, 15 microsatellite markers were isolated. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 10 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.091 to 0.765, providing potentially useful markers for the detection of within‐ and among‐population genetic variability.
Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the ponerine ant Ectatomma tuberculatum
Authors: Poteaux C. , Hora R. R. , Vautrin D. , Fresneau D. , Solignac M. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractWe report the development of 11 microsatellite markers by an enrichment protocol in the ponerine ant Ectatomma tuberculatum. Polymorphism was explored in two colonies collected from Mexico and two colonies from Brazil. From the 11 loci which amplified, seven loci showed intracolonial polymorphism in Mexican colonies and only six loci were variable in populations from Brazil. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.18 to 0.84. The other five loci exhibited different alleles between Mexico and Brazil but geographical variability was not investigated further. Cross‐amplification was tested in another species of the same Tribe (Gnamptogenys striatula) and one locus was revealed to be polymorphic.
Characterization of microsatellite markers for the North African gundi, Ctenodactylus gundi (Rodentia: Ctenodactylidae)
Authors: Nutt Karen J. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractEleven highly polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the North African gundi (Ctenodactylus gundi), a gregarious rock‐dwelling rodent found in northern Africa. These loci exhibited high genetic diversity (eight to 19 alleles per locus) and high levels of heterozygosity (62–98%). Collectively, these microsatellite markers are sufficiently variable to estimate levels of relatedness and population genetic structure for C. gundi.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the intertidal sponge Halichondria panicea
Authors: Knowlton A. L. , Pierson B. J. , Talbot S. L. , Highsmith R. C. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractGA‐ and CA‐enriched genomic libraries were constructed for the intertidal sponge Halichondria panicea. Unique repeat motifs identified varied from the expected simple dinucleotide repeats to more complex repeat units. All sequences tended to be highly repetitive but did not necessarily contain the targeted motifs. Seven microsatellite loci were evaluated on sponges from the clone source population. All seven were polymorphic with 5.43 ± 0.92 mean number of alleles. Six of the seven loci that could be resolved had mean heterozygosities of 0.14–0.68. The loci identified here will be useful for population studies.
Isolation and cross‐species amplification of microsatellite loci in the freshwater minnow Zacco pachycephalus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) for diversity and conservation genetic analysis
Authors: Huang Mei‐Tzu , Hsien‐Shao Tsao Eric , Hon‐Tsen Yu Alex 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAsian minnows of the genus Zacco are dominant fish in various freshwater ecosystems. Two species, Zacco pachycephalus and Z. platypus, occur in Taiwan and are favourite targets for local sport anglers. The introduction of Zacco fish into nonindigenous habitats in Taiwan has become a conservation issue. We developed eight polymorphic microsatellites for Z. pachycephalus (average HE = 0.779) and these microsatellites were applicable to Z. platypus, which showed a comparable polymorphic level (average HE = 0.784). These loci can be used as genetic markers for identifying conservation units and studying population differentiation for both Zacco species.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite DNA markers in the rare species barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) and its closely related species spotted halibut (V. variegatus)
Authors: Ortega‐Villaizan Romo M. , Nakajima M. , Taniguchi N. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBarfin flounder and spotted halibut have been selected in Japan as target species for stock enhancement due to the fact that the number of individuals of these species in the wild has been decreasing in the last three decades. Barfin flounder is now considered to be a rare species as its situation is critical. The first microsatellite DNA markers for barfin flounder and spotted halibut are described in this study. Cross‐amplification of barfin flounder markers was examined in spotted halibut species and vice versa.
Microsatellite markers for Hebeloma species developed from expressed sequence tags in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum
Authors: Jany J. L. , Bousquet J. , Khasa D. P. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe increasing number of expressed sequence tag (EST) projects dedicated to ectomycorrhizal fungi is translating into the release of large sets of ESTs. The aim of this study was to develop and test simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from EST databases of the model ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum. Six SSR markers were found to be both unambiguously scorable and polymorphic among 12 H. cylindrosporum isolates. Two SSR markers were transferable to other Hebeloma species and one marker was interestingly found to be polymorphic among seven H. crustuliniforme isolates.
Use of oligonucleotide arrays for molecular taxonomic studies of closely related species in the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) complex
Authors: Naeole Chrystie K. M. , Haymer David S. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractMolecular markers derived from intron sequence polymorphisms have been identified to augment and improve existing tools available for the analysis of closely related species found in the Bactrocera dorsalis species complex. Arrays of allele‐specific oligonucleotides incorporating these markers have been developed to allow both for rapid taxonomic identification and direct genotyping of individual specimens in single hybridization experiments.