bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of Taiwan's national health insurance program in influencing adequate prenatal care
Authors: Liu Tsai‐Ching , Chen Chin‐Shyan 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis paper reviews achievements in the utilization of prenatal care by pregnant women in Taiwan by analysing the 1989 and 1996 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey data. More precisely, it identifies and examines the programmatic and non‐programmatic factors that influence prenatal care utilization, thus determining the areas that require further attention from the programe. Logistic regression results show that the adequacy of prenatal care use was significantly associated with the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI). A higher likelihood of adequate care utilization was found among women who were married or employed, had a higher level of education, had more experience with regard to pregnancy and were at higher risk in terms of obstetrics. The effect of facility choice showed variations after the implementation of the NHI programme. Prior to NHI, no differences were noted between the use of clinics and hospitals. After the implementation of NHI, on the other hand, women who received most of their care from clinics had a higher likelihood of receiving more adequate prenatal care than those who received care from hospitals. Regional differences in seeking adequate prenatal care were also evident. Mothers who were living in southern areas were less likely to receive adequate prenatal care despite the implementation of NHI. The Bureau of NHI, therefore, still needs to work on mechanisms to ensure that more attention is given to the distribution of its medical resources and that additional health care accessibility is provided to pregnant women in these areas. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Popular participation and the State: democratizing the health sector in rural Peru
Authors: Bowyer Tim 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPopular participation has been an important component of most primary health care strategies since the Alma Ata Declaration, 1978. This article examines the use of state‐sponsored participation in the health sector in Peru and some of the experiences that have accompanied its implementation. Taking the Local Health Administration Committees (CLAS) from the second Fujimori government (1995–2000) as an example, it is shown that for self‐motivated rural communities to work in harmony with the state, there must be willingness to adapt to the varying levels of intra‐community differences, social integration and social support. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paroxetine treatment of delusional disorder, somatic type
Authors: Hayashi Hiroshi , Oshino Shingo , Ishikawa Junichi , Kawakatsu Shinobu , Otani Koichi 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA 77‐year‐old female showed delusion of infestation in the oral cavity. She was treated by paroxetine 20 mg/day, and the hypochondriacal delusion disappeared after 8 weeks. Hypoperfusion in the left temporal and parietal lobes which was observed when she had the delusion was normalized after resolution of the delusion. This report suggests that paroxetine may be effective for delusional disorder, somatic type. It also supports the previous views that this disorder is associated with serotonergic dysfunction and hypoperfusion in the temporal and parietal lobes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of inhibitory effect of citalopram on isolated guinea‐pig atria in relation to adenosine receptor
Authors: Pousti Abbas , Deemyad Tara , Malihi Golrokh 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe effect of citalopram (CTP), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant was studied on the rate and force of contractions of isolated guinea‐pig atria. CTP (2–32 μg/ml) caused a dose‐dependent decrease in the contractile force (7%–62%) and in the rate of contractions (11%–72%). These negative inotropic and chronotropic effects of CTP (8 μg/ml) were not prevented by atropine (1 μg/ml) and 3,7 dimethyl‐1‐propargylxanthine (DMPX; 1.5 μg/ml), an adenosine A2 receptor antagonist, but 1,3 dipropargyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX; 12 μg/ml), a specific adenosine A1 receptor antagonist significantly blocked these effects (p < 0.001) and theophylline (30 μg/ml) a non‐selective adenosine A1/A2A receptor antagonist also prevented the inotropic and chronotropic effects of CTP. These results suggest that the negative inotropic and chronotropic effect of CTP on isolated guinea‐pig atria is probably mediated through an inhibition of the uptake of adenosine or the A1 receptor mechanism. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clomipramine, fluoxetine and CYP2D6 metabolic capacity in depressed patients
Authors: Vandel P. , Haffen E. , Nezelof S. , Broly F. , Kantelip J. P. , Sechter D. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractCytochrome P450‐2D6 may be involved in the metabolism of many drugs such as psychotropic drugs and its genetic polymorphism is responsible for inter‐individual differences in the therapeutic effect and toxicity of these drugs. Moreover with the same genetic basis, CYP2D6 metabolic capacity variations are observed. Different factors of variation may be involved, among them the prescribed drugs.The aim of this study was to compare the influence of two types of antidepressants, tricyclic (clomipramine) and serotonergic specific recapture inhibitor (SSRI) (fluoxetine), on the CYP2D6 metabolic capacity of depressed inpatients. The CYP2D6 phenotype (dextromethorphan test) was determined in 56 genotyped (PCR‐SSCP) depressed caucasian inpatients with a heterozygous genotype. Forty‐five subjects were treated with clomipramine and eleven received fluoxetine. The dextromethorphan metabolic ratio (MR) median was significantly higher in the fluoxetine group (0.255) than in the clomipramine group (0.083, p < 0.014). In this study, fluoxetine involved a greater decrease of CYP2D6 metabolic capacity than clomipramine. Clinical implications and the possible connection between a decreased CYP2D6 activity and adverse drug effects were discussed. Caution should be taken when drugs with a low therapeutic index must be coprescribed in such patients. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of ecological risk and perceived discrimination on the psychological adjustment of African American and European American youth
Authors: Prelow Hazel M. , Danoff‐Burg Sharon , Swenson Rebecca R. , Pulgiano Dana 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to examine the role of cumulative ecological risk (i.e., neighborhood disadvantage and ecologically salient stressful events) and perceived discrimination on the psychological adjustment of urban African American and European American youth. Findings indicated that both cumulative ecological risk and perceived discrimination were associated with poorer psychological adjustment for youth in this study. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that cumulative ecological risk made a unique contribution to each of the outcome variables. Moreover, perceived discrimination amplified the effect of ecological risk when delinquency was the criterion for African American youth but not for their European American peers. However, contrary to our expectations, perceived discrimination did not moderate the effect of ecological risk when depressive symptomatology was the outcome variable. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 32: 375–389, 2004.
Social support in women with fibromyalgia: Is quality more important than quantity?
Authors: Franks Heather M. , Cronan Terry A. , Oliver Karen 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe present study is an examination of the effects of quality and quantity of social support on the psychological and physical well‐being of women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Participants were 568 women who were members of a health maintenance organization (HMO) with a confirmed diagnosis of FMS. Participants were administered a battery of questionnaires assessing their psychological and physical well‐being. Measures of depression, self‐efficacy, helplessness, mood disturbance, health status, impact of FMS, and social support were included. Regression analyses indicated that larger social support networks were associated with greater levels of self‐efficacy for pain and symptom management, while the perceived quality of social support was associated with lower levels of depression, helplessness, mood disturbance, impact of FMS, higher levels of self‐efficacy for function and symptom management, as well as overall psychological well‐being. These findings indicate that the quality of social support is more important than quantity in determining outcomes in women with FMS. Thus, the quality of social support has important financial and psychosocial implications for the individual and for the community as a whole. Future research should examine longitudinal changes in quality of social support and the corresponding changes in health status and psychological well‐being, as well as the effects of integrating manipulations designed to affect the quality of social support into community interventions designed to enhance the well‐being of women with FMS. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 32: 425–438, 2004.
Who do young adult victims of physical assault talk to about their experiences?
Authors: Thomson Rob , Langley John 
Published: May 2004

AbstractMany victims of physical assaults do not report the assault to the police. In this study we examine whom these victims talked to and how satisfied they were with the help they received. A sample of 374 participants of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (DMHDS) who had been assaulted in the preceding 12 months, were asked questions about an assault that had the greatest impact on their life and who they had talked to about it. It was found that not only did very few participants report the assault to the police; most victims talked to no one. If they did talk to someone, they were more likely to talk to friends and family and find them more helpful than the police and other services. Talking to others appears to be influenced by the nature of the assault, as participants were most likely to report serious assaults resulting in injuries requiring medical attention. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 32: 479–488, 2004.
Targeting of HLA‐DR molecules transduces agonistic functional signals in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Altomonte Maresa , Visintin Alberto , Tecce Raffaele , Leonardi Antonio , Calabro Luana , Fonsatti Ester , Pucillo Carlo , Maio Michele 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe role of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class II molecules in transducing intracellular signals in immune cells is well established. Solid tumors of different histotype can also express HLA class II antigens; however, their intracellular signaling ability is essentially unknown. Due to the frequent expression of HLA class II molecules in primary and metastatic lesions, cutaneous melanoma was utilized to investigate whether the engagement of HLA‐DR molecules transduces functional intracellular signal(s). Triggering of HLA‐DR molecules by the anti‐HLA‐DR monoclonal antibody (mAb) L243 induced a significant (P < 0.05) and dose‐dependent growth‐inhibition of metastatic melanoma cells Mel 120, as well as their homotypic aggregation. Furthermore, an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple cellular proteins with a molecular weight ranging from 66 to 130 kD, including p125 focal adhesion kinase, was observed. Lastly, the engagement of HLA‐DR molecules by mAb L243 inhibited activator protein‐1‐DNA binding. Thus, HLA‐DR molecules expressed on melanoma cells can transduce functional intracellular signals. This finding is consistent with evidences obtained in hematological malignancies, and suggests the potential usefulness of HLA‐DR molecules to set‐up new approaches of targeted therapy in metastatic melanoma. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ in CFTR−/− mice
Authors: Ollero Mario , Junaidi Omer , Zaman Munir M. , Tzameli Iphigenia , Ferrando Adolfo A. , Andersson Charlotte , Blanco Paola G. , Bialecki Eldad , Freedman Steven D. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSome of the pathological manifestations of cystic fibrosis are in accordance with an impaired expression and/or activity of PPARγ. We hypothesized that PPARγ expression is altered in tissues lacking the normal cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein (CFTR). PPARγ mRNA levels were measured in colonic mucosa, ileal mucosa, adipose tissue, lung, and liver from wild‐type and cftr−/− mice by quantitative RT‐PCR. PPARγ expression was decreased twofold in CFTR‐regulated tissues (colon, ileum, and lung) from cftr−/− mice compared to wild‐type littermates. In contrast, no differences were found in fat and liver. Immunohistochemical analysis of PPARγ in ileum and colon revealed a predominantly nuclear localization in wild‐type mucosal epithelial cells while tissues from cftr−/− mice showed a more diffuse, lower intensity labeling. A significant decrease in PPARγ expression was confirmed in nuclear extracts of colon mucosa by Western blot analysis. In addition, binding of the PPARγ/RXR heterodimer to an oligonucletotide containing a peroxisome proliferator responsive element (PPRE) was also decreased in colonic mucosa extracts from cftr−/− mice. Treatment of cftr−/− mice with the PPARγ ligand rosiglitazone restored both the nuclear localization and binding to DNA, but did not increase RNA levels. We conclude that PPARγ expression in cftr−/− mice is downregulated at the RNA and protein levels and its function diminished. These changes may be related to the loss of function of CFTR and may be relevant to the pathogenesis of metabolic abnormalities associated with cystic fibrosis in humans. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cycles and paths in graphs with large minimal degree
Authors: Nikiforov V. , Schelp R. H. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractLet G be a simple graph of order n and minimal degree > cn (0 < c < 1/2). We prove that (1) There exist n0 = n0(c) and k = k(c) such that if n > n0 and G contains a cycle Ct for some t > 2k, then G contains a cycle Ct − 2s for some positive s < k; (2) Let G be 2‐connected and nonbipartite. For each ε(0 < ε < 1), there exists n0 = n0(c,ε) such that if n ≥ n0 then G contains a cycle Ct for all t with $\left \lceil { 2\over c}\right \rceil -2\leq t\leq 2(1-\varepsilon) cn$. This answers positively a question of Erdős, Faudree, Gyárfás and Schelp. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 47: 39–52, 2004
Demonstration of multiple novel glycoforms of the stem cell survival factor CCg
Authors: Dahl A. , Eriksson P.S. , Davidsson P. , Persson A.I. , Ekman R. , Westman‐Brinkmalm A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWe have investigated the presence of different glycoforms of cystatin C secreted by adult hippocampal rat‐derived stem/progenitor cells (AHPs) into conditioned medium. A glycosylated form of cystatin C (CCg) has been identified previously in conditioned medium from AHPs as an autocrine/paracrine cofactor. Fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2) requires cooperation with CCg to support AHP survival at low density in vitro. The purpose of the present study was to investigate further if cystatin C consists of one glycoform or if several different glycoforms are secreted by AHPs in vitro. The presence of the glycoforms was studied using enzymatic deglycosylation in conjunction with gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. The glycoforms of cystatin C were isolated with a combination of gel electrophoresis and electroelution, yielding the intact glycoforms in liquid phase before enzymatic deglycosylation. Our results revealed several novel glycoforms, in contrast to previous publication. The results suggest that N‐ and O‐linked glycans with sialic acid are attached to cystatin C. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that all glycoforms are present in conditioned medium after only 48 hr of culturing and that all nestin‐positive AHPs are immunopositive against cystatin C. These findings suggest secretion of the glycoforms by cultured AHPs. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FK506 and a nonimmunosuppressant derivative reduce axonal and myelin damage in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: Neuroimmunophilin ligand‐mediated neuroprotection in a model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gold Bruce G. , Voda Jan , Yu Xiaolin , McKeon Gabriel , Bourdette Dennis N. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in which demyelination and axonal loss result in permanent neurologic disability. We examined the neuroprotective property of the immunosuppressant FK506 (tacrolimus), FK1706 (a nonimmunosuppressant FK506 derivative) and cyclosporin A (CsA) in a chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. Female SJL/J mice were immunized by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection with proteolipid protein 139–151 peptide in complete Freund's adjuvant. At the onset of paralysis, 12–14 days after immunization, mice received daily s.c. injections of FK506 (0.2, 1, and 5 mg/kg), FK1706 (5 mg/kg), CsA (2, 10, and 50 mg/kg), saline or vehicle (30% dimethylsulfoxide) for 30 days. FK506 (at a dose of 5 mg/kg) reduced the severity of the initial disease and suppressed relapses. FK1706 did not significantly alter the clinical course and CsA (at a dose of 50 mg/kg) lessened the severity of the initial episode of EAE but did not alter relapses. In the thoracic spinal cord, FK506 (5 mg/kg), FK1706 (5 mg/kg), and CsA (50 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the extent of damage in the dorsal, lateral, and ventral white matter by a mean of up to 95, 68, and 30%, respectively. A nonimmunosuppressant dose of FK506 (0.2 mg/kg) also significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the extent of damage in the spinal cord by a mean of up to 45%. Other dosages of these compounds were ineffective. FK506 markedly protects against demyelination and axonal loss in this MS model through immunosuppression and neuroprotection. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced production and proteolytic degradation of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐2 in proliferating rat astrocytes
Authors: Chesik Daniel , Kühl Nicole M. , Wilczak Nadine , De Keyser Jacques 
Published: May 2004

AbstractInsulin‐like growth factors (IGFs) protect neurons, are important for oligodendrocyte survival and myelin production, and stimulate the proliferation of astrocytes. The effects of IGFs are regulated by a family of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). Astrocytes express predominantly IGFBP‐2. In the present study, primary neonatal rat astrocytes were cultivated in a chemically defined medium to initiate a differentiated cell status. After stimulation with fetal calf serum, astrocytes became hypertrophic and increased proliferation. Western blot analysis of cell lysate of proliferating astrocytes displayed an increased expression of IGFBP‐2. This finding was supported by immunocytochemical images. Semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated equal mRNA levels in both differentiated and proliferating astrocytes, suggesting that the increase in IGFBP‐2 production in proliferating astrocytes was exerted at the translational level. Concentrated medium of proliferating cells, however, displayed lower levels of IGFBP‐2 than differentiated cells. When recombinant IGFBP‐2 was incubated with culture media, we found degradation in the medium of proliferating cells, but not in medium of differentiated cells. This degradation could be inhibited with protease inhibitors, indicating that lower levels of IGFBP‐2 in the medium of proliferating astrocytes are due to the presence of proteases. Our results suggest that, in proliferating astrocytes, IGFBP‐2 may help target IGFs to IGF‐1 receptors, and IGFBP‐2 proteases may play a role in enhancing the availability of IGFs. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin G promotes oligodendrocyte progenitor cell migration
Authors: Tiwari‐Woodruff S.K. , Myers L.W. , Bronstein J.M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by demyelination of the CNS with associated neurological deficits. Remyelination can occur but is often incomplete. The process of myelin repair requires the proliferation and migration of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) into the lesion from the neighboring areas. OPC migration is altered by several factors, including antibodies that bind to OPC surface proteins. We have previously reported elevated anti‐OSP/claudin‐11 antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients and that anti‐OSP/claudin‐11 antibodies generated in rabbits can inhibit OPC migration. In the study presented here, we investigated the effect of CSF IgG from MS patients and controls on OPC migration in culture. Rat OPC cultured with CSF from MS patients tended to migrate more than those cultured with control CSF, but this did not reach statistical significance. To determine whether the IgG fraction in the CSF influenced migration, we removed it using protein‐A sepharose. A dramatic decrease in OPC migration was found in both MS (45 ± 24 vs.16 ± 9) and control (40 ± 19 vs. 22 ± 13) samples after IgG was removed (P < .05). Anti‐OSP/claudin‐11 antibody concentration did not significantly correlate with OPC migration. These data demonstrate that CSF IgG promotes OPC migration. Identification of the specific IgG fraction responsible for this effect could lead to novel therapies to promote recovery in MS. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: Macromol. Chem. Phys. 8/2004
Authors: Renker Sabine , Mahajan Surbhi , Babski Diane T. , Schnell Ingo , Jain Anurag , Gutmann Jochen , Zhang Yuangming , Gruner Sol M. , Spiess Hans W. , Wiesner Ulrich 
Published: May 2004

Cover: The cover shows the nanostructure and shape control in polymer‐inorganic hybrids and mesoporous materials as derived from poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(hexyl methacrylate) block copolymers as structure directing agents. In the polymer‐inorganic composites the PEO block is compatibilized with the inorganic aluminosilicate phase (center). With studies of such advanced materials the areas of polymer science and solid state materials are merged.Further details can be found in the Full Paper by S. Renker, S. Mahajan, D. T. Babski, I. Schnell, A. Jain, J. Gutmann, Y. Zhang, S. M. Gruner, H. W. Spiess, and U. Wiesner* on page 1021.