bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depolarizing GABAergic synaptic input triggers endocannabinoid‐mediated retrograde synaptic signaling
Authors: Urbanski Michael J. , Kovacs Flora E. , Szabo Bela 
Published: April 2009

AbstractEndocannabinoids released by postsynaptic neurons inhibit neurotransmitter release from presynaptic axon terminals. One typical stimulus of endocannabinoid production is an increase of calcium concentration in postsynaptic neurons. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether depolarizing GABAergic synaptic input, by increasing calcium concentration in postsynaptic neurons, can trigger endocannabinoid production. Spontaneous GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) were recorded in Purkinje cells in mouse cerebellar slices with patch‐clamp pipettes containing 151 mM chloride (a usual recording mode). sIPSCs were depolarizing inward currents under this condition. Combined electrophysiological and fluorometric calcium imaging experiments indicated that sIPSCs frequently triggered calcium spikes. After the calcium spikes, a short‐term suppression of sIPSCs occurred. This suppression was prevented by the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist rimonabant and the diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor orlistat, but not changed by URB597, an inhibitor of anandamide degradation. It is, therefore, likely that CB1 receptors and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol were involved. For testing the physiological significance of the above observation, we carried out experiments on brains of 3‐ to 5‐day‐old mice. The gramicidin‐induced perforated patch‐clamp mode was used for preserving the physiological intracellular chloride concentration of the neurons. Depolarizing GABAergic sIPSCs occurred under this condition, but at a very low rate. Rimonabant did not change the frequency of these sIPSCs, arguing against the persistence of an endocannabinoid tone. The results point to a new kind of trigger of endocannabinoid production: depolarizing GABAergic synaptic input can elicit endocannabinoid production in postsynaptic neurons by activating calcium channels. The produced endocannabinoid suppresses GABA release from presynaptic axon terminals. Synapse 63:643–652, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interactions of serotonin (5‐HT)2receptor‐targeting ligands and nicotine: Locomotor activity studies in rats
Authors: Zaniewska Magdalena , McCreary Andrew C. , Filip Małgorzata 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMale Wistar rats were used to verify the hypothesis that serotonin (5‐HT)2Aor 5‐HT2Creceptors may control the locomotor effects evoked by nicotine (0.4mg/kg). The 5‐HT2Areceptor antagonist (M100,907), the 5‐HT2Areceptor agonist (DOI), the 5‐HT2Creceptor antagonist (SB 242,084), and the 5‐HT2Creceptor agonists (Ro 60‐0175 and WAY 163,909) were used. M100,907 (0.5–2mg/kg) did not alter, while DOI (1 mg/kg) enhanced the nicotine‐induced hyperlocomotion. The effect of DOI was antagonized by M100,907 (1 mg/kg). SB 242,084 (0.25–1 mg/kg) augmented, while Ro 60‐0175 (1 and 3 mg/kg) and WAY 163,909 (1.5 mg/kg) decreased the overall effect of acute nicotine; effects of Ro 60‐0175 and WAY 163,909 were attenuated by SB 242,084 (0.125 mg/kg). In another set of experiments, M100,907 (2 mg/kg) on Day 10 attenuated, while DOI (0.1–1 mg/kg) enhanced the nicotine‐evoked conditioned hyperlocomotion in rats repeatedly (Days 1–5) treated with nicotine in experimental chambers. SB 242,084 (0.125 or 1 mg/kg) did not change, while Ro 60‐0175 (1 mg/kg) or WAY 163,909 (1.5 mg/kg) decreased the expression of nicotine‐induced conditioned hyperactivity. Only DOI (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) and SB 242,084 (1 mg/kg) enhanced the basal locomotion. The present data indicate that 5‐HT2Areceptors are significant for the expression of nicotine‐evoked conditioned hyperactivity. Conversely, 5‐HT2Creceptors play a pivotal role in the acute effects of nicotine. Pharmacological stimulation of 5‐HT2Areceptors enhances the conditioned hyperlocomotion, while activation of 5‐HT2Creceptors decreases both the response to acute nicotine and conditioned hyperactivity. Synapse 63:653–661, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The nature of sociolinguistic perception
Authors: Campbell-Kibler Kathryn 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis study investigates how linguistic variation carries social meaning, examining the impact of the English variable (ING) on perceptions of eight speakers from the U.S. West Coast and South. Thirty-two excerpts of spontaneous speech were digitally manipulated to vary only in tokens of (ING) and used to collect listener perceptions in group interviews (N = 55) and an experiment (N = 124). Interview data and experimental results show that (ING) impacts social perception variably, inhabiting an indexical field of related meanings (Eckert, Penelope. [2008]. Variation and the indexical field. Journal of Sociolinguistics 12(4):453–476). One of these meanings, intelligence/education, is explored in detail to understand how a given meaning is realized or not in a specific context. Speakers were heard as less educated/intelligent when they used -in, but this effect is driven by reactions to speakers heard as aregional and not as working-class. Some implications on our future understanding of the processing of socially laden variation are discussed.
Coloniality and Theological Method in Africa
Authors: Heaney Robert S. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to approach the heuristic potency of coloniality illustrated by reference to the emergence of African theologies. Coloniality refers to subjugating strategies found in mission discourses which are not unrelated to wider colonial violence. It will be argued that such an analytic category, which arises from historical experiences of mission malpractice, has particular theological and methodological significance. Consequently, post-colonial Anglicanisms will affirm particularism, experiential interfaces and inductive theologizing.
Evaluating habitat effects on population status: influence of habitat restoration on spring‐run Chinook salmon
Authors: HONEA JON M. , JORGENSEN JEFFREY C. , McCLURE MICHELLE M. , COONEY THOMAS D. , ENGIE KIM , HOLZER DAMON M. , HILBORN RAY 
Published: April 2009

Summary1. A key element of conservation planning is the extremely challenging task of estimating the likely effect of restoration actions on population status. To compare the relative benefits of typical habitat restoration actions on Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), we modelled the response of an endangered Columbia River Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) population to changes in habitat characteristics either targeted for restoration or with the potential to be degraded.2. We applied a spatially explicit, multiple life stage, Beverton‐Holt model to evaluate how a set of habitat variables with an empirical influence on spring‐run Chinook salmon survivorship influenced fish population abundance, productivity, spatial structure and diversity. Using habitat condition scenarios – historical conditions and future conditions with restoration, no restoration, and degradation – we asked the following questions: (i) how is population status affected by alternative scenarios of habitat change, (ii) which individual habitat characteristics have the potential to substantially influence population status and (iii) which life stages have the largest impact on population status?3. The difference in population abundance and productivities resulting from changes in modelled habitat variables from the ‘historical’ to ‘current’ scenarios suggests that there is substantial potential for improving population status. Planned restoration actions directed toward modelled variables, however, produced only modest improvements.4. The model predicted that population status could be improved by additional restoration efforts directed toward further reductions in the percentage of fine sediments in the streambed, a factor that has a large influence on egg survival. Actions reducing fines were predicted to be especially effective outside the national forest that covers most of the basin. Scenarios that increased capacity by opening access to habitat in good condition also had a positive but smaller effect on spawner numbers.5. Degradation in habitat quality, particularly in percent fine sediments, within stream reaches located in the national forest had great potential to further reduce this population’s viability. This finding supports current forest planning efforts to minimise road density and clear‐cut harvests and to return forest stand structure in dry regions to the historical condition that promoted frequent low‐intensity fires rather than catastrophic stand‐replacing fires, as these landscape factors have been shown to influence percent fine sediment in streams.6. Together, these results suggest that planning focusing on protecting currently good habitat, reducing fine sediments to promote egg survival and increasing spawner capacity will be beneficial to endangered spring‐run Chinook population status.
Contraception and women over 40 years of age: mixed‐method systematic review
Authors: Roberts Angela , Noyes Jane 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTitle.  Contraception and women over 40 years of age: mixed‐method systematic review. Aim.  This paper is a report of a mixed‐method systematic review to identify barriers to, and facilitators of, contraceptive needs and choices of women over 40 years old.Background.  Women over 40 years of age who do not want to conceive have specific needs for contraception to prevent unwanted, unplanned and unintended pregnancies prior to menopause.Data sources.  Six databases were searched for published and grey literature from September 1997 to September 2007, along with the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The Internet, professional networks and hand searching were also used.Review methods.  Mixed‐method synthesis using Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co‐ordinating Centre phased design.Findings.  Guidelines to inform clinical decision‐making were located but did not take account of age‐related social factors affecting women’s choices or local service availability. Women’s access to services and contraceptive choices were influenced by educational level, general awareness of available methods, fear of side effects, women’s social standing, religious and cultural beliefs, personal control, and confidentiality. The main factors influencing compliance and continuation rates were knowledge, positive experience and confidence, unacceptable side effects and safety concerns, information, support and advice, and ongoing husband/partner influences.Conclusion.  The utility of clinical guidelines could be improved by incorporating socio‐cultural factors and women’s views. Novel approaches to evidence translation and facilitation are required. Focusing on user‐led, age‐appropriate services rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach could improve the contraceptive choices and outcomes for women over 40 years old.
Midlife African‐American women’s protective and risky practices related to HIV
Authors: Mallory Caroline , Harris Gardenia , Stampley Cheryl 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTitle.  Midlife African‐American women’s protective and risky practices related to HIV. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring the relationships between social, cultural and individual factors and midlife African‐American women’s risk taking and protective practices related to HIV/AIDS.Background.  The extent of the HIV epidemic among women of African descent around the world is difficult to discern, but women of color are disproportionately affected. While the risk factors for HIV infection are clearly defined, the context for sexual risk‐taking and protective practices is poorly understood for midlife African‐American women.Method.  The study was guided by grounded theory methods. The Afrocentric Paradigm, Theory of Gender and Power, and Social Cognitive Theory formed the basis for developing semi‐structured interview and focus group schedules. Theoretical sampling and principles of emergent design were used to guide data collection and analysis. Interview and focus group data were collected between 2003 and 2006. Transcripts were analyzed using constant comparison to develop descriptive themes, and member checking was used to verify findings.Findings.  African‐American women (n = 36) who were between the ages of 40 and 64 years and HIV negative volunteered for the study. Participants characterized their sexual decision‐making as two conflicting processes –‘Taking Responsibility’ and ‘Getting Caught Up’– related to being accountable for sexual decision‐making and having strong sexual desires.Conclusion.  Stereotypical views of midlife African‐American women must be overcome to ensure that they are treated appropriately in the clinical setting. Increasing emphasis on developing woman‐controlled HIV prevention approaches holds the greatest hope for controlling the epidemic among women.
Prevention and treatment of incontinence‐associated dermatitis: literature review
Authors: Beeckman Dimitri , Schoonhoven Lisette , Verhaeghe Sofie , Heyneman Alexander , Defloor Tom 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTitle.  Prevention and treatment of incontinence‐associated dermatitis: literature review. Aim.  This paper is a report of a review conducted to describe the current evidence about the prevention and treatment of incontinence‐associated dermatitis and to formulate recommendations for clinical practice and research.Background.  Incontinence‐associated dermatitis is a common problem in patients with incontinence. It is a daily challenge for healthcare professionals to maintain a healthy skin in patients with incontinence.Data sources.  PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, reference lists and conference proceedings were explored up to September 2008.Review methods.  Publications were included if they reported research on the prevention and treatment of incontinence‐associated dermatitis. As little consensus about terminology was found, a very sensitive filter was developed. Study design was not used as a selection criterion due to the explorative character of the review and the scarce literature.Results.  Thirty‐six publications, dealing with 25 different studies, were included. The implementation of a structured perineal skin care programme including skin cleansing and the use of a moisturizer is suggested. A skin protectant is recommended for patients considered at risk of incontinence‐associated dermatitis development. Perineal skin cleansers are preferable to using water and soap. Skin care is suggested after each incontinence episode, particularly if faeces are present. The quality of methods in the included studies was low.Conclusions.  Incontinence‐associated dermatitis can be prevented and healed with timely and appropriate skin cleansing and skin protection. Prevention and treatment should also focus on a proper use of incontinence containment materials. Further research is required to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of various interventions.
Rotating shift‐related changes in hormone levels in intensive care unit nurses
Authors: Korompeli Anna , Sourtzi Panayota , Tzavara Chara , Velonakis Emmanouel 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTitle.  Rotating shift‐related changes in hormone levels in intensive care unit nurses. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to investigate if an irregular rotating shift system, including night shifts, can cause changes to the secretion of hormones in nurses.Method.  In 2006, 32 healthy intensive care unit nurses completed the Standard Shiftwork Index (SSI) and blood samples were collected from each participant at the beginning and end of each shift. Change in hormone levels between the beginning and end of morning shifts were examined and compared between nurses on morning only and rotating shifts. Correlations between change in hormone concentrations and scores from the SSI are presented.Results.  The mean reduction of cortisol level between the two measurements was statistically significantly greater for the ‘rotating’ than ‘morning’ shift group (P = 0·032). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in overall mean change from the first to the second measurement of prolactin, triiodothyronine and thyroid‐stimulating hormone. Levels of thyroxine increased statistically significantly in the ‘rotating’ group (P = 0·049) but not in the ‘morning’ group. The morningness scale score was greater for the ‘rotating’ group, while greater job satisfaction levels were found in the ‘morning’ group. Statistically significant correlations were found between thyroid‐stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine and prolactin changes and specific scales of the SSI questionnaire.Conclusion.  Ergonomic shift schedules sympathetic to the body clock and nurses’ preferences should be adopted to mitigate the adverse effects on health.
‘I can actually talk to them now’: qualitative results of an educational intervention for emergency nurses caring for clients who self‐injure
Authors: McAllister Margaret , Moyle Wendy , Billett Stephen , Zimmer‐Gembeck Melanie 
Published: April 2009

Aim and objectives.  This Australian study evaluated the effectiveness of a solution‐focused education intervention in extending and improving emergency nursing responses to patients who present because of self‐injury.Background.  Emergency nurses commonly report lack of training and feeling unskilled in managing people who present because of self‐harm. Most educational interventions have provided content knowledge, yet rarely have they focused on conveying the value of health promotion strategies such as proactive skills and coping strategies.Design.  A mixed method pretest–posttest group design was used.Methods.  Nurses (n = 36) were interviewed to examine differences in professional identity, awareness of self‐injury and clinical reasoning.Results.  The qualitative results are presented in this paper and these showed improvements in knowledge and understanding of self‐harm, self‐belief in nurses’ capacity to positively influence clients and the value of health promotion skills. The intervention produced a positive attitudinal shift towards clients and an expressed intention to act in ways that were more person‐centred and change oriented.Conclusions.  The solution‐focused education intervention appears to show promise as an intervention for enabling nurses to value their unique contribution to providing a health service that is more proactive and health‐promoting.Relevance to clinical practice.  Interactive education bringing psychosocial skills to technical nursing staff builds confidence, competence and more person‐focused care.
Aged‐care nurses’ knowledge of nursing documentation: an Australian perspective
Authors: Daskein Robyn , Moyle Wendy , Creedy Debra 
Published: April 2009

Aim. This study investigated registered nurses’ knowledge of documentation used in aged‐care nursing home facilities in Queensland, Australia.Background. The purpose of nursing documentation is to communicate health information, facilitate quality assurance and research, demonstrate nurses’ accountability and, within Australia, to support funding of residents’ care. Little is known about the relationship between RNs’ knowledge of nursing documentation, the documentation process within residential aged care and the outcomes of the documentation.Design. Cross‐sectional, retrospective design.Method. The study was conducted with a large sample of RNs (n = 360) located in 162 Queensland aged‐care facilities. Participants completed a postage‐return questionnaire in which they identified factors that influence their knowledge and understanding of documentation.Results. Participants reported that they have considerable knowledge of nursing documentation. They also indicated that they were most knowledgeable about policies on documentation and writing discharge instructions. However, their knowledge of nursing assessments ranked fifth and they were least knowledgeable about reading reports each shift.Conclusions. The modified version of Edelstein's questionnaire provided a valid and reliable instrument for measuring RNs’ knowledge of nursing documentation. A factor analysis of the 16 items in the Knowledge scale showed excellent reliability. The data indicated that RNs in aged‐care facilities have high levels of knowledge about documentation. Specific recommendations relate to the implementation of comprehensive documentation education programs that reflect the needs of organisations and the level of RNs’ skills and knowledge concerning documentation.Relevance to clinical practice. Accurate nursing documentation is relevant to residents’ care outcomes and to government funding allocations. Measuring RNs’ knowledge of nursing documentation can identify factors that impede and facilitate their documentation of care.
The impact of pressure ulcer risk assessment on patient outcomes among hospitalised patients
Authors: Saleh Mohammad , Anthony Denis , Parboteeah Sam 
Published: April 2009

Aims and objectives.  To determine whether use of a risk assessment scale reduces nosocomial pressure ulcers.Background.  There is contradictory evidence concerning the validity of risk assessment scales. The interaction of education, clinical judgement and use of risk assessment scales has not been fully explored. It is not known which of these is most important, nor whether combining them results in better patient care.Design.  Pretest–posttest comparison.Methods.  A risk assessment scale namely the Braden was implemented in a group of wards after appropriate education and training of staff in addition to mandatory wound care study days. Another group of staff received the same education programme but did not implement the risk assessment scale and a third group carried on with mandatory study days only.Results.  Nosocomial Pressure Ulcer was reduced in all three groups, but the group that implemented the risk assessment scale showed no significant additional improvement. Allowing for age, gender, medical speciality, level of risk and other factors did not explain this lack of improvement. Clinical judgement seemed to be used by nurses to identify patients at high risk to implement appropriate risk reduction strategies such as use of pressure relieving beds. Clinical judgement was not significantly different from the risk assessment scale score in terms of risk evaluation.Conclusions.  It is questioned whether the routine use of a risk assessment scale is useful in reducing nosocomial pressure ulcer. It is suggested clinical judgement is as effective as a risk assessment scale in terms of assessing risk (though neither show good sensitivity and specificity) and determining appropriate care.Relevance to clinical practice.  Clinical judgement may be as effective as employing a risk assessment scale to assess the risk of pressure ulcers. If this were true it would be simpler and release nursing time for other tasks.