bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in the elephant (Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus)
Authors: Dahl Nancy J. , Olson Deborah , Schmitt Dennis L. , Blasko David R. , Kristipati RamaSharma , Roser Janet F. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractA simple, rapid enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the measurement of LH in plasma and serum of elephants (Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus) has been developed, validated, and used for comparative studies. Purified elephant LH (eleLH) diluted in elephant plasma was used as standards (0.78–50 ng/ml). A monoclonal antibody against the β‐subunit of bovine LH (518B7) was used as the capture antibody. The second antibody (a polyclonal rabbit anti‐human LH antibody), conjugated to horseradish peroxidase, cleaved a substrate (tetramethyl benzidine), resulting in a color change. The total assay time was approximately 2½ hr, with incubations at room temperature. Sensitivity was found to be 1.56 ng/ml. Cross‐reactivities to elephant FSH and TSH were low: 0.9% and 0.15%, respectively. The accuracy of the assay was demonstrated by comparing the ELISA with a validated eleLH radioimmunoassay (RIA), progesterone data, and ultrasound observations. Blood samples from 18 Asian and African elephant cows were analyzed with the ELISA and RIA, and an additional 11 cows were used to describe endocrine parameters for LH and progesterone using only RIA. No difference was found in LH peak concentrations between the ELISA and RIA. The time from the progesterone decline to the first LH peak, and the time between the two peaks were similar between species. Asian cows had higher LH peaks than African cows. Ultrasound confirmed the time of ovulation occurring with the second LH peak. Three cows were inseminated and confirmed to be pregnant using this ELISA as a timing device. Instrumentation is not always required, as LH peaks approximating 3 ng/ml can be visually observed. In conclusion, this ELISA can be used as a field test to determine time of ovulation for artificial insemination (AI) or natural breeding of both species of elephants, and thus is an important tool for the preservation of captive populations worldwide. Zoo Biol 23:65–78, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Do Taq‐generated RT‐PCR products from RNA viruses accurately reflect viral genetic heterogeneity?
Authors: Mullan B. , Sheehy P. , Shanahan F. , Fanning L 
Published: February 2004

Summary.  Since the first report of genetically heterogeneous, or quasispecies, populations of RNA viruses, the genetic heterogeneity of the RNA genomes of major viral pathogens has been extensively studied. These studies aim to provide insights into the evolutionary pressures that act upon viruses, in order to define windows where anti‐viral therapies will be most effective, to take prognostic values from viral genetic distributions at a given time, and to aid the development of novel therapeutic compounds that may tilt viral replication towards information loss.Many methodologies are employed to analyse genetic distributions of a virus in a given sample, but all involve the generation, and subsequent analysis, of the sequence information contained in a reverse‐transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) product. Despite the fact that the aim of these RT‐PCRs is to obtain sequence information from viral genomes, their application to this task is approached without adequate consideration of this end‐goal. The establishment of an RT‐PCR for a specific viral target genome generally proceeds in the same fashion as one would apply to establishing a PCR to determine the presence or absence of a specific target sequence in a given sample. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that RT‐PCR products generated by amplification with the ubiquitous thermostable DNA polymerase Taq, coupled with standard cloning and sequencing methodologies, has the potential to yield inaccurate and misleading data as pertains to the information content of populations of RNA viral genomes. This review discusses varying approaches employed to analyse heterogeneous populations of hepatitis C virus RNA genomes.
Dynamic analysis of hepatitis B virus DNA and its antigens in 2.2.15 cells
Authors: Liu M.‐C. , Yu M. , Zhang N.‐L. , Gong W.‐B. , Wang Y. , Piao W.‐H. , Wang Q.‐H. , Wang G.‐Q. 
Published: February 2004

Summary.The 2.2.15 cells‐derived from HepG2 cells transfected with a plasmid containing hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA secrete surface antigen (HBsAg) particles, nucleocapsids and virions (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1987; 84: 1005–1009). The latter elicit acute hepatitis in chimpanzees (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1987; 84: 4641–4644). We studied the presence of intracellular and extracellular HBV covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA in this culture system by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), kinetically analysed HBsAg and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) released in the culture media by quantitative enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and quantitated by real‐time PCR but HBV DNA from intracellular and extracellular HBV‐DNA. HBV cccDNA was found both intracellularly and extracellularly. A significant correlation was seen between the extracellular HBV DNA levels and virus antigens (r = 0.833; P = 0.01 and r = 0.939; P < 0.01 for HBsAg and HBeAg, respectively), whereas there was no statistical correlation between intracellular HBV DNA levels and virus antigen levels (r = 0.024; P = 0.955 and r = 0.177; P = 0.625 for HBsAg and HBeAg, respectively). These data would be valuable in studies of the HBV life cycle and of potential anti‐viral agents.
Living in towers as risk factor of pollen allergy
Authors: Armentia A. , Asensio T. , Subiza J. , Arranz M. L. , Gil F.‐J. Martín , Callejo A. 
Published: February 2004

Background:  The effects of fluctuations in pollen counts have important implications for health services. Little research on the clinical implications of the vertical distribution of pollen in allergy symptoms has been carried out.Methods:  We have investigated the allergic symptoms of a population of 17 171 patients coming from our health area (Valladolid, Spain) and living in the city and villages. We compared the prevalence of sensitization to different pollens: Graminae, trees and shrub in relation with the floor of the building where they were living.Results:  Relative risk of pollen sensitization (confidence index, CI 95%) was higher in patients who were living at high floors than in those patients who were living in lower floors or at street level, independently of rural or urban conditions The chi‐square showed a lineal trend in this relationship in the case of sensitization to grass pollen: χ2: 1794, P > 0.00001Conclusions:  On the basis of our local investigations, natural pollen sensitization appears to increase with height where the patient lives. This paper reports clinical results on the influence of vertical pollen distribution in pollen allergy.
Developing the BALANCE trial – the role of the pilot study and start‐up phase
Authors: Rendell Jennifer M , Juszczak Ed , Hainsworth Jane , Gucht Emma Van der , Healey Christine , Morriss Richard , Ferrier Nicol , Young Allan H , Young Heather , Goodwin Guy M , Geddes John R 
Published: February 2004

Objectives:  The initial design of the BALANCE (Bipolar Affective disorder: Lithium / ANtiConvulsant Comparative Evaluation) Trial of maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder was based on the experience of previous trials in bipolar disorder and psychiatry and on the methods developed for large randomized trials in other areas of medicine. This report describes the adaptations to the initial design and trial procedures following the initial phases of the study. The rationale for the trial and full protocol have been published elsewhere.Methods:  A pilot study and start‐up phase were used to check the tolerability of the interventions, refine the trial design and develop trial procedures that are acceptable to both clinicians and patients.Results:  Changes to the procedures included: the dropping of masking of allocated treatment from clinicians and participants; introduction of the use of postal delivery to supply medication; and dispensing with the proposed schedule of regular follow up appointments. In addition, support was made available to participating psychiatrists who often had limited experience of participating in randomized trials.Conclusions:  Pilot studies and start‐up phases are essential to refine clinical trial design and allow development of procedures that are both methodologically rigorous and flexible and robust enough to promote recruitment and follow up. BALANCE is now actively recruiting in the UK and USA.
Effects of alcohol controls: Nordic research traditions
Authors: ROOM ROBIN 
Published: February 2004

AbstractDrawing on a recent review of studies of the impact of alcohol control changes in the Nordic countries (particularly Finland, Norway and Sweden), this paper reviews the development of research traditions of such studies in the Nordic countries. From the Nordic experience, there is evidence of variation in the effects of policy changes by demographic segment, by type of problem and by drinking pattern and amount. Policy changes have often had their greatest effect on heavier drinkers. Big reductions in alcohol taxes in Denmark in 2003 and Finland in 2004 offer a new chance to study whose drinking changes how much, and in what contexts, in a collaborative study comparing northern Sweden with Finland, Denmark and southern Sweden.
An evidence‐based approach to planning tobacco interventions for Aboriginal people
Authors: IVERS ROWENA G. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractSystematic reviews have shown that interventions such as the delivery of cessation advice by heath professionals and the use of nicotine replacement therapy are effective at increasing cessation rates, however little is known about whether such interventions are appropriate and effective for and thus transferable to Aboriginal Australians. The aim of this paper was to assess whether evidence of effectiveness for brief interventions for cessation and nicotine patches from studies conducted in other populations was likely to be transferable to Aboriginal people in the NT. This paper involved assessment of systematic reviews of evidence for the use of brief interventions for smoking cessation and the use of nicotine replacement therapy, when planning two such interventions for delivery to Aboriginal people. Emerging themes are discussed. There were many factors which were likely to mean that these brief advice on cessation and the use of nicotine patches were likely to be less effective when implemented in Aboriginal communities. The planned interventions were delivered in primary care, and were of low intensity. Few studies included in systematic reviews were set in the developing world or in minority populations. Many features of the context for delivery, such as the normality of the use of tobacco among Aboriginal people, the low socio‐economic status of this population and cultural issues, may have meant that these interventions were likely to be less effective when delivered in this setting. Further research is required to assess effectiveness of tobacco interventions in this population, as evidence from systematic reviews in other populations may not be directly transferable to Aboriginal people.
Brief interventions: good in theory but weak in practice
Authors: ROCHE ANN M. , FREEMAN TOBY 
Published: February 2004

AbstractA substantial body of research evidence has accumulated in support of the efficacy of brief interventions for a number of alcohol and drug‐related problem areas, most notably alcohol and tobacco. This evidence has been used to exhort a range of professional groups such as general practitioners (GPs), and more recently emergency department hospital staff to engage in brief interventions. Internationally, however, these secondary prevention efforts have largely failed. Why have these proven interventions not been embraced by frontline workers? This is a little‐asked question as efforts to press‐gang unwilling professionals to take up the cudgel continue. This paper examines the characteristics of brief interventions and their principal delivery agents and explores reasons for the failure to move from efficacy to effectiveness. Given the prevention potential that rests with brief intervention, these are crucial questions to address. A key feature of brief intervention delivery also examined is the role of GPs versus the less well‐explored option of the practice nurse. It will be proposed that perhaps we have the right vehicle but the wrong driver and that until closer scrutiny is made of this issue efforts in this key prevention area will continue to fail to achieve optimum results.
Making licensed venues safer for patrons: what environmental factors should be the focus of interventions?
Authors: HOMEL ROSS , CARVOLTH RUSSELL , HAURITZ MARGE , MCILWAIN GILLIAN , TEAGUE ROSIE 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe Queensland Safety Action Projects operationalized a problem‐focused responsive regulatory model in order to make nightclubs and other venues safer. A problem‐focused approach requires a careful analysis of the total environment of licensed venues, including drinking and its controls but also the social and physical environments, patron mix and management practices. We present new analyses of observational data collected in 1994 and 1996 in the north Queensland cities of Cairns, Townsville and Mackay. Major reductions in aggression and violence were observed, as well as improvements in many aspects of the venue environment and management practices. We do not argue in this paper that the interventions caused the environmental and management changes, although we believe this to be true. Rather, our assumption is that whatever caused them, some of the environmental and management changes were critical to the reductions in aggression. Regression techniques were used to identify those factors that best explained the declines in aggression. For reduced physical violence four key predictors were identified: improved comfort, availability of public transport, less overt sexual activity and fewer highly drunk men. For reduced non‐physical aggression, four key predictors were: fewer Pacific Islander patrons, less male swearing, fewer intoxicated patrons requiring that management be called and more chairs with armrests. The analyses are consistent with the argument that the control of drinking is necessary but not sufficient to reduce aggression and violence.
The effect of the Safer Bars programme on physical aggression in bars: results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: GRAHAM KATHRYN , OSGOOD D. WAYNE , ZIBROWSKI ELAINE , PURCELL JOHN , GLIKSMAN LOUIS , LEONARD KENNETH , PERNANEN KAI , SALTZ ROBERT F. , TOOMEY TRACI L. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Safer Bars, an intervention to reduce aggression in bars. A total of 734 pre ‐ post‐intervention observations were conducted by trained observers on Friday and Saturday nights between midnight and 2 a.m. in 18 large capacity (> 300) Toronto bars and clubs assigned randomly to receive the intervention (69% participation rate of the 26 assigned) and 12 control bars. As part of the intervention, owners/managers completed the risk assessment workbook to identify ways of reducing environmental risks, and 373 staff and owners/managers (84% participation rate) attended a 3‐hour training session focused on preventing escalation of aggression, working as a team and resolving problem situations safely. The main outcome measures were rates of severe aggression (e.g. punching, kicking) and moderate physical aggression (e.g. shoving, grappling). Hierarchical linear modelling (HLM) comparing pre ‐post aggression for intervention versus control bars indicated a significant effect of the intervention in reducing severe and moderate aggression. This effect was moderated by turnover of managers and door/security staff with higher post‐intervention aggression associated with higher turnover in the intervention bars. The findings indicate the potential for a stand‐alone relatively brief intervention to reduce severe and moderate physical aggression in bars.
Alignment of the policy planets: behind the implementation of the Northern Territory (Australia) Living With Alcohol programme*
Authors: D'ABBS PETER 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe Northern Territory Living With Alcohol Programme (LWAP), implemented in Australia from 1991 to 2000, has been hailed as a successful example of a comprehensive public health alcohol policy, especially in its first 4 years—1991/92 to 1995/96. This paper draws upon a policy analysis of the LWAP currently in progress to identify and describe the factors that made implementation possible at this time. I argue that programme implementation was shaped by a remarkable alignment of agencies and actors in the political, fiscal, administrative and industrial domains. This alignment of forces, however, owed as much to contingency as to planning and did not endure. Although the policy itself remained unchanged and continued to generate significant achievements, the alignment of forces sustaining it began to fragment from late 1995 onwards. The paper concludes by exploring the implications of the analysis for alcohol policy in other domains, and for the relationship between evidence regarding effectiveness and other components of the policy process.
Risk and protection factors for different intensities of adolescent substance use: when does the Prevention Paradox apply?
Authors: STOCKWELL TIM , TOUMBOUROU JOHN W. , LETCHER PRIMROSE , SMART DIANA , SANSON ANN , BOND LYNDAL 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe ‘Prevention Paradox’ applies when low‐risk individuals in a population contribute the most cases of a condition or problem behaviour by virtue of their being in the majority, thereby recommending a universal or whole of population approach to prevention. The applicability of a universal as opposed to a targeted high‐risk approach to the prevention of youth substance use was examined in two studies of children and adolescents conducted in Victoria, Australia. These studies were reanalysed by recombining developmental, social and individual measures to form cumulative risk indices for substance use. In Study 1, a cross‐sectional survey of students, most regular tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use by 15/16‐year‐olds occurred in the moderate and low‐risk groups, recommending a universal prevention strategy. However, the majority of illicit drug use occurred in the highest‐risk group (top 15%). Furthermore, in younger age groups both legal and illegal drug use was concentrated mainly in the highest risk group. Study 2 used data from a major longitudinal study where risk factors at around age 11/12 years were used to predict substance use at age 17/18 years. Most students who admitted involvement in frequent smoking, heavy drinking and, although to a lesser degree, cannabis were classified as low or average risk. It is concluded that universal prevention strategies are needed for late adolescent alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use and more targeted strategies for addressing harm related to early age drug use, frequent cannabis use and illegal drug use.
What we can—and cannot—expect from school‐based drug prevention
Authors: CAULKINS JONATHAN P. , PACULA ROSALIE LICCARDO , PADDOCK SUSAN , CHIESA JAMES 
Published: February 2004

AbstractSchool‐based drug prevention is a central component of drug control strategies. This paper assesses quantitatively its contributions in the United States from a social policy perspective. The social benefits per participant stemming from reduced drug use (∼ $840 from tobacco, alcohol, cocaine and marijuana) appear to exceed the economic costs of running the programs (∼ $150 per participant); while the benefits associated with reduced cocaine use alone (∼ $300) exceed the costs, the corresponding figure for marijuana (∼ $20) is small. Even if prevention reduced the use of other illicit drugs (e.g. heroin) by as much as it reduced use of cocaine, the majority of benefits would still stem from reductions in use of tobacco and alcohol, which has implications for how school‐based drug prevention is funded and whether it is perceived more as a weapon in the war on illicit drugs or as a public health measure. Specific numeric results are subject to considerable uncertainty, but the basic character of the conclusions appears to be robust with respect to parameter uncertainty. The greatest uncertainties concern the permanence of prevention's effects and how to value instances of initiation being deferred but not completely prevented.
Encouraging practitioners to use resources: evaluation of the national implementation of a resource to improve the clinical management of alcohol‐related problems in Indigenous primary care settings
Authors: HUNTER ERNEST , BROWN JOANNE , MCCULLOCH BRAD 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis paper reports on the evaluation of the implementation of the National Recommendations for the Clinical Management of Alcohol‐Related Problems in Indigenous Primary Care Settings undertaken in 2001 through 74 standardized workshops, which sought to determine: (1) whether this approach to implementation influenced the likelihood that the National Recommendations would be used; (2) whether it influenced participants' willingness to engage with Indigenous patients regarding alcohol‐related issues; and (3) whether the implementation as a whole influenced both practice and clinicians' willingness to engage. Evaluation included pre‐/post‐workshop and follow‐up questionnaires and a focus group. The findings presented indicate that distribution of clinical resources alone is not sufficient to ensure use and that, particularly for medical practitioners, appropriate introduction not only increases use but also positively influences willingness to engage with alcohol‐related problems as part of primary clinical care. Further, the enthusiasm for guideline production should be tempered by the need to develop effective implementation strategies.
Smoking behaviour among Indigenous secondary school students in North Queensland
Authors: LOWE JOHN B. , SAECK LYNETTE , BROUGH MARK , CARMONT SUE‐ANNE , CLAVARINO ALEXANDRA , STANTON WARREN , BALANDA KEVIN , SHANNON CINDY 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis study investigated smoking behaviour among Indigenous youth. A sample of schools (n = 12) in north Queensland with large proportions of Indigenous students was selected. Details about the prevalence of smoking behaviour in both Indigenous and non‐Indigenous students (n = 883) were gathered. Data were also collected on the cultural, social, and psychological factors associated with cigarette smoking for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous students. This survey indicated smoking rates for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous students were 24% and 30%, respectively. The study found similarities between both groups regarding where they obtained their cigarettes (friends) and their reasons for not smoking (their parents and health). Results of this survey challenge the belief that Indigenous youth are significantly different in their smoking patterns and behaviours compared to non‐Indigenous secondary school students in rural regions. It indicated the potential importance of school communities in promoting non‐smoking behaviours among Indigenous students even in the face of strong normative pressures from elsewhere in the community. This survey can be used to monitor smoking prevalence among Indigenous secondary students in north Queensland, help guide the development of culturally appropriate school curriculum resources and contribute to the overall evaluation of smoking prevention and smoking cessation programs which are developed for Indigenous secondary school students.