bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Social and Economic Motivational Factors in the Performance of Health Professionals Involved in Mental Health Care in Douala, Littoral Region of Cameroon
Authors: Chiamanji Emmanuel Nforlem , Ndamukong-Nyanga Judith Lum , Ijang Nju Curly 
Published: February 2024

Aim: Social and economic motivational factors can influence the performance of health workers. This and has special importance in mental health. In low and middle-income countries, health professionals are essential for the delivery of mental health interventions. However, inadequate mental health professional’s performance is a very widespread problem. Motivation is a prerequisite for better organizational performance. Motivation involves the biological, economic, social and cognitive forces that activate behavior. In everyday usage, the term “motivation” is frequently used to describe why a person does something. It is the driving force behind human actions. Thus this study seeks to investigate the extent to which motivational factors influence the performance of health professionals involved in mental health care in Douala, Littoral Region of Cameroon.
Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional and analytical study design was adopted to investigate the extent to which motivational factors influence the performance of 210 mental health workers.
Place and Duration of Study: It involved five mental health institutions in Douala, from May 2022 to August 2022.
Methodology: A snowball sampling technique purely based on referrals and a purposive sampling technique to select the participants was used. Pilot test was done on 6 mental health workers in Minds Clinic Buea using a Crobach’s Alpha formula to calculate and the value 0.985 was gotten to prove the validity and reliability of the research tools. Data was collected quantitatively and qualitatively with the use of self-administered, well-structured questionnaire and face to face interview was applied to collect data, and analyzed with SPSS version 23.0.
Results: Results revealed that social (rs=0.406), economic (rs=0.248), cognitive (rs=0.471) and biological (rs=0.263) motivational factors influenced the performance of health professionals involved in mental health care and consequently improve the quality of mental health care. Spearman’s rank correlation revealed that motivational factors improved work performance. Also, motivational factors have a significant relationship with performance at a two tail test. Moreover, there was general consensus among the management staff that the general motivation packages and strategies are yielding desired results and this has positively affected the moral and performance of staff.
Conclusion: Overall the findings of the study suggest that to improve the performance of health professionals involved in mental health care in Douala Littoral Region of Cameroon there is the need to carefully define motivational factors that are reliable and strategically relevant ensuring that they are free from criterion contamination and deficiency.
Murine Asthma Models
Authors: Regal Jean F. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractImmunotoxicity can take the form of an enhanced immune response or hypersensitivity. Asthma is one possible consequence of hypersensitivity in the lung, with characteristics that include reversible airway obstruction, eosinophil infiltration into the lung, and airway hyperresponsiveness to agonists such as methacholine. In toxicology, two primary areas of investigation prompt the measurement of the asthmatic response in an animal: (1) identification of chemicals or proteins that cause asthma, i.e., respiratory allergens, and (2) identification of exposures that will exacerbate existing asthma. An ovalbumin‐induced asthma model can be used to identify exposures that exacerbate existing asthma. A protocol for the sensitization and challenge of mice with ovalbumin is described; it leads to the asthma symptoms of airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophil infiltration. Assessment of airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine uses whole body plethysmography in conscious unrestrained mice. Bronchoalveolar lavage of the mouse determines the extent of cellular infiltration into the airspace. Removal of lung lobes and assay of eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase provides a measure of the numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils, respectively, in the lung. Depending on the experimental goals, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue can also be used for isolation of RNA, and measurement of cytokines, chemokines, antibodies, and inflammatory mediators.
Overview of Cell Fractionation
Authors: Castle J. David 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis discussion unit describes the most common methods for cell fractionation which provides the essential ingredients for the increasing number of cell‐free assays now being used in test‐tube reconstructions of complex cellular events involving intercompartmental interactions. Gel filtration separates on the basis of size, centrifugation separates on the basis of size and density, and electrophoresis separates on the basis of surface charge density. Centrifugation is the most widely used procedure in cell fractionation and is the only approach commonly used to separate crude tissue homogenates (often having quite large volumes) into subfractions as starting material for more refined purification procedures. Therefore, this overview focuses primarily on fractionation of organelles by centrifugation.
Purification of Organelles from Mammalian Cells
Authors: Castle J. David 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe protocols in this unit illustrate a range of different procedures that have been used to fractionate tissue homogenates. They emphasize different fractionation techniques that have been used for rat liver, an abundant tissue that has been a favorite of many investigators and has served as the source of many organelle preparations of excellent purity. For selected procedures, other examples have been given using other tissue sources (e.g., glandular tissues that maintain protein storage granules for regulated secretion) or, where particularly favorable, cultured cells. The basis (or goal) of each separation and the merits and limitations of each procedure are summarized to provide a guide for selecting among the various approaches. The large number of protocols include specific details relevant to a particular sample cell type (and in many cases a particular organelle).
Applications for Chemical Probes of Proteolytic Activity
Authors: Bogyo Matthew , Baruch Amos , Jeffery Douglas A. , Greenbaum Doron , Borodovsky Anna , Ovaa Huib , Kessler Benedikt 
Published: August 2004

AbstractRecent genome sequencing projects have identified new peptidases in multiple organisms, many with unknown functions, suggesting the need for new tools to study these enzymes. This unit outlines selection and use of small‐molecule and protein‐based probes to covalently modify peptidases in complex cellular environments. These activity‐based probes (ABPs) have been designed based on well characterized peptidase inhibitor scaffolds, but make use of new techniques to greatly enhance their utility for studying families of related peptidases. In particular, ABPs can be used to track activity of peptidases in crude cell extracts, intact cells, and in vivo, allowing rapid purification and identification of labeled targets. They can be used with libraries of small molecules to rapidly assess potency and selectivity of compounds in complex, physiologically relevant samples. Probe selection, probe tagging using reporters, labeling of recombinant targets, crude protein extracts, and peptidase targets in cell culture systems, affinity purification of targets, and inhibitor screening using affinity probes are outlined.
Characterization of CGRP Receptor Binding
Authors: Conner Alex C. , Hay Debbie L. , Poyner David R. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractCGRP receptor binding may be measured using homogenates of cell membranes or intact cells. Here a microcentrifugation‐based assay is described that utilizes radioiodinated CGRP in displacement studies to determine the binding parameters for any ligand that interacts with CGRP receptors. A similar assay is described for binding to cultured cells. The protocols may be adapted for other radioligands or for filtration‐based assays. The main problems with CGRP binding assays can usually be traced to degradation of the radioligand or displacing ligands. Also, some cell lines fail to express CGRP receptors after extensive passage. CGRP binding assays provide a rapid and easy approach for distinguishing between receptors for CGRP and related peptides such as adrenomedullin and amylin.
Models of Muscle Pain: Carrageenan Model and Acidic Saline Model
Authors: Radhakrishnan Rajan , Bement Marie K. Hoeger , Skyba David , Sluka Kathleen A. , Kehl Lois J. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractCarrageenan or acidic saline injected unilaterally into the gastrocnemius muscle or triceps muscle produces a robust and long‐lasting hyperalgesia in rats and mice, which is reversible with systemic administration of opioid or anti‐inflammatory drugs. This unit describes detailed protocols for inducing and measuring hyperalgesia, and provides information on validation of these models. These models are useful for assessing new compounds for their analgesic activity in muscular pain.
Quantified Assessment of Terminal Density and Innervation
Authors: Finkelstein David I. , Stanic Davor , Parish Clare L. , Drago John , Horne Malcolm K. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractStereological methods allow for the determination of cell numbers, terminal densities, and, subsequently, the estimation of terminal arbor size within a given brain nucleus. This unit provides an explanation for determining the terminal arbor size of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway in rodents. In contrast to previously used single‐axon reconstructions, these stereological methods allow for quick and easy determination of terminal arbor size.
Traumatic Brain Injury in the Rat Using the Fluid‐Percussion Model
Authors: Ling Geoffrey S.F. , Lee Eleanor Y. , Kalehua Audrey N. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractTraumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability, particularly among young adults. During closed head trauma, the injury process is initiated by the impact of the brain against the inner table of the calvarium. Subsequently, there is prompt initiation of a complex biochemical, cellular, and physiological injury cascade that may take days to complete. From a functional standpoint, this culminates in neurologic dysfunction and, if severe, death. This unit describes an impact‐induced brain trauma model in rats which replicates nonpenetrating head injury. It does not model either penetrating or ischemic brain injuries.
Databases and Web Sites for Neurogenetics
Authors: Brody Thomas , Odenwald Ward 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe goal of neurogenetics is an understanding of the genetic basis of brain structure and function. Neurogenetics deals with multiple areas of investigation, including the genetic basis of neural induction, patterning, cell fate specification, neuron maturation, axonal and dendritic organization, synapse function, and learning and behavior. This appendix provides links to databases and other Web sites used by neurobiologists for recovery of information about genes involved in neural development and neuron function. Special care has been taken to curate sites involving model organisms, since neurogenetics relies heavily on comparative genomics to establish gene function.
Probing RNA Structure and Function by Nucleotide Analog Interference Mapping
Authors: Cochrane Jesse C. , Strobel Scott A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractNucleotide analog interference mapping (NAIM) can be used to simultaneously, yet individually, identify structurally or catalytically important functional groups within an RNA molecule. Phosphorothioate‐tagged nucleotides and nucleotide analogs are randomly incorporated into an RNA of interest by in vitro transcription. The phosphorothioate tag marks the site of substitution and identifies sites at which the modification affects the structure or function of the RNA molecule. This technique has been expanded to include identification of hydrogen bonding pairs (NAIS), ionizable functional groups, metal ion ligands, and the energetics of protein binding (QNAIM). The analogs, techniques, and data analysis used in NAIM are described here.
Analysis of RNA by Northern and Slot Blot Hybridization
Authors: Brown Terry , Mackey Karol , Du Tingting 
Published: August 2004

AbstractSpecific sequences in RNA preparations can be detected by blotting and hybridization analysis using techniques very similar to those originally developed for DNA. Fractionated RNA is transferred from an agarose gel to a membrane support (northern blotting); unfractionated RNA is immobilized by slot or dot blotting. The resulting blots are studied by hybridization analysis with labeled DNA or RNA probes. Northern blotting differs from Southern blotting largely in the initial gel fractionation step. Because they are single‐stranded, most RNAs are able to form secondary structures by intramolecular base pairing and must therefore be electrophoresed under denaturing conditions if good separations are to be obtained. Denaturation is achieved either by adding formaldehyde to the gel and loading buffers or by treating the RNA with glyoxal and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) prior to loading. The Basic Protocol describes blotting and hybridization of RNA fractionated in an agarose‐formaldehyde gel. Alternate Protocols describe the glyoxal/DMSO method for denaturing gel electrophoresis and slot‐blot hybridization of RNA samples. Stripping hybridization probes from blots can be done under three different sets of conditions; these methods are outlined in a Support Protocol.
SNP Genotyping using Sequenom MassARRAY 7K Platform
Authors: Gabriel Stacey , Ziaugra Liuda 
Published: August 2004

AbstractMany high‐throughput single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping technologies are currently available. The method for SNP genotyping described in this unit is based on the commercially available Sequenom MassARRAY platform which offers several attractive features for users desiring an accurate SNP genotyping assay. The assay described is based on primer extension and offers two levels of specificity. First a locus‐specific PCR reaction takes place, followed by a locus‐specific primer extension reaction (homogeneous Mass Extend, or hME assay) in which an oligonucleotide primer anneals immediately upstream of the polymorphic site being genotyped. The extension of the primer is according to the sequence of the variant site and can be a single complementary base or a series of complementary bases. Through the use of MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, the mass of the extended primer is determined. The preparation of probe and genomic DNA is also described in this unit.
Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Point Mutations Using Allele‐Specific Oligonucleotides
Authors: Napolitano Nichole M. , Rohlfs Elizabeth M. , Heim Ruth A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis unit describes high‐throughput mutation analysis using hybridization with pooled allele‐specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probes. The approach can be used to screen one gene for many allelic mutations or to screen several loci for several allelic mutations each. Because tetramethyl ammonium chloride (TMAC) is added to the hybridization solution, the melting temperature of each oligonucleotide is independent of G–C content and oligonucleotides of the same length can be hybridized simultaneously. The pooled probes will give a positive hybridization signal from any PCR‐amplified DNA sample containing a sequence complementary to any of the ASOs in the pool of oligonucleotide sequences. If many PCR‐amplified samples are spotted onto a single membrane, multiple individuals can then be screened simultaneously for many mutant sequences. This multiple ASO hybridization technique is appropriate only for circumstances when hybridization with any one of the pooled probes is expected to be uncommon.
Protein Truncation Test
Authors: Vossen Rolf , den Dunnen Johan T. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe protein truncation test detects mutations at the protein level that lead to premature translation termination. The method has evolved considerably since is original publication in this manual. This thoroughly revised unit describes what is now the preferred method for performing the protein truncation test. Transcription and translation are performed in separate reactions; during translation, biotin‐labeled or N‐terminally tagged proteins are synthesized. The translation products are detected on immunoblots via chemiluminescence. An Alternate Protocol using coupled in vitro transcription/translation and radiolabeled proteins is also presented.
Assessment of Telomere Length, Phenotype, and DNA Content
Authors: Schmid Ingrid , Jamieson Beth D. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractTelomere sequences at the end of chromosomes control somatic cell division; therefore, telomere length in a given cell population provides information about its replication potential. This unit describes a method for flow cytometric measurement of telomere length in subpopulations using fluorescence in situ hybridization of fluorescently‐labeled probes (Flow‐FISH) without prior cell separation. After cells are stained for surface immunofluorescence, antigen‐antibody complexes are covalently cross‐linked onto cell membranes before FISH with a telomere‐specific probe. Cells with long telomeres are included as internal standards. Addition of a DNA dye permits exclusion of proliferating cells during data analysis. DNA ploidy measurements of cells of interest and internal standard are performed on separate aliquots in parallel to Flow‐FISH. Telomere fluorescence of G0/1 cells of subpopulations and internal standards obtained from Flow‐FISH are normalized for DNA ploidy and telomere length in subsets of interest is expressed as a fraction of the internal standard telomere length.
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation for Determining the Association of Proteins with Specific Genomic Sequences In Vivo
Authors: Aparicio Oscar , Geisberg Joseph V. , Struhl Kevin 
Published: August 2004

AbstractChromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is a powerful and widely applied technique for detecting the association of individual proteins with specific genomic regions in vivo. Live cells are treated with formaldehyde to generate protein‐protein and protein‐ DNA cross‐links between molecules in close proximity on the chromatin template in vivo. DNA sequences that cross‐link with a given protein are selectively enriched and reversal of the formaldehyde cross‐link permits recovery and quantitative analysis of the immunoprecipitated DNA. As formaldehyde inactivates cellular enzymes essentially immediately upon addition to cells, ChIP provides snapshots of protein‐protein and protein‐ DNA interactions at a particular time point, and hence is useful for kinetic analysis of events occurring on chromosomal sequences in vivo. In addition, ChIP can be combined with microarray technology to identify the location of specific proteins on a genome‐wide basis. This unit describes the ChIP protocol for Saccharomyces cerevisiae; however, it is also applicable to other organisms.
Preparation of Cytogenetic Specimens from Tissue Samples
Authors: Bayani Jane , Squire Jeremy A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractCytogenetic specimens are prepared from short‐term primary cultures established from tissue samples or from established cell lines. Cultures that are (80% confluent are treated with Colcemid to enrich for cells in mitosis. Cells are then swollen hypotonically and fixed before slides are prepared. Preparing good metaphase spreads is technically challenging, This unit provides a good discussion of the factors that go into making a good preparation.
Ionic Liquids for the Convenient Synthesis of Functional Nanoparticles and Other Inorganic Nanostructures
Authors: Antonietti Markus , Kuang Daibin , Smarsly Bernd , Zhou Yong 
Published: August 2004

AbstractIonic liquids are a new class of organic solvents with high polarity and a preorganized solvent structure. Very polar reactions can be carried out in these liquid in the absence of or with a controlled amount of water, and crystalline nanoparticles can be synthesized conveniently at ambient temperatures. The pronounced self‐organization of the solvent is used in the synthesis of self‐assembled, highly organized hybrid nanostructures with unparalleled quality. The extraordinary potential of ionic liquids in materials synthesis is described in this minireview and a physicochemical explanation is given.
Study on processing of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/polypropylene blends
Authors: Liu Gongde , Chen Yingzi , Li Huilin 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe processing of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by the addition of polypropylene (PP) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) was investigated. The results show that the addition of PP improves the processability of UHMWPE more effectively than does the addition of HDPE. UHMWPE/PP blends can be effectively processed with a twin‐roller and general single‐screw extruder. In the extrusion of UHMWPE/PP blends, PP is enriched at the surface of the blend adjacent to the barrel wall, thus increasing the frictional force on the wall; the conveyance of the solid down to the channel can then be carried out. The melt pool against the active flight flank exerts a considerable pressure on the UHMWPE powder in the passive flight flank, which overcomes the hard compaction of UHMWPE. The PP penetrates into the gaps between the particles, acting as a heat‐transfer agent and adhesive, thus enhancing the heat‐transfer ability in the material. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 977–985, 2004
Chitosan‐coated paper: Effects of nisin and different acids on the antimicrobial activity
Authors: Vartiainen Jari , Motion Rose , Kulonen Heikki , Rättö Marjaana , Skyttä Eija , Ahvenainen Raija 
Published: August 2004

AbstractChitosan coatings prominently improved both the gloss and oxygen barrier properties of paper. The gloss value in the machine direction was increased as a function of added chitosan. An oxygen‐permeability value of 1.1 cm3/m2 d was obtained when 6.9 g/m2 chitosan was applied to 80 g/m2 copy paper. In addition, the effects on the mechanical properties were positive, but not significant. The water‐vapor permeability of the paper increased as a result of the chitosan coating. Chitosan dissolved in 1.6, 3.2, and 6.4% lactic acid showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, whereas acetic and propionic acids (1.6, 3.2, and 6.4%) did not produce any notable activity. Nisin (0.08 g/L) did not enhance the antimicrobial activity of coatings prepared from chitosan dissolved in different acids. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 986–993, 2004
Interpenetrating polymer networks based on polyol modified castor oil polyurethane and poly(2‐ethoxyethyl methacrylate): Synthesis, chemical, mechanical, thermal properties, and morphology
Authors: Sanmathi C. S. , Prasannakumar S. , Sherigara B. S. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractInterpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of glycerol modified castor oil polyurethane (GC‐PU) and poly(2‐ethoxyethyl methacrylate) poly(2‐EOEMA) were synthesized using benzoyl peroxide as initiator and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) as crosslinker. GC‐PU/poly (2‐EOEMA) interpenetrating polymer networks were obtained by transfer molding. The novel GC‐PU/poly (2‐EOEMA) IPNs are found to be tough films. These IPNs are characterized in terms of their resistance to chemical reagents thermal behavior (DSC, TGA) and mechanical behavior, including tensile strength, Young's modulus, shore A hardness, and elongation. The morphological behavior was studied by scanning electron microscopy. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1029–1034, 2004