bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential α2‐mediated inhibition of dopamine and noradrenaline release in the parietal and occipital cortex following noradrenaline transporter blockade
Authors: Valentini V. , Cacciapaglia F. , Frau R. , Di Chiara G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractParietal and occipital cortices, while densely innervated by noradrenalin 2 (NA) projections, possess a comparatively sparse dopamine 2 (DA) innervation, even sparser than the prefrontal cortex. We previously reported that reboxetine and desipramine, two selective norepinephrine transporter (NET) blockers, at doses that maximally increase DA in the prefrontal cortex, do not increase DA in the parietal and occipital cortices. In the present study, we performed a full dose–response study of the effect of systemic reboxetine and desipramine on DA and NA in dialysates from the parietal and occipital cortices. Seven doses of reboxetine (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg/kg) and four doses of desipramine (0.25, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) were tested. Reboxetine and desipramine differentially affected dialysate DA as compared with NA. Reboxetine increased DA maximally by about 100% after doses of 0.25–0.5 mg/kg and showed a bell‐shaped dose–response function in both areas; desipramine did not affect DA in the parietal cortex and increased it in the occipital cortex only at 2.5 mg/kg. NA was maximally increased by 275% by 0.5–2.5 mg/kg reboxetine and by about 300% by 5.0 mg/kg desipramine with a more linear dose–response curve. The mechanism of peculiar dose–response function of dialysate DA after reboxetine and desipramine was further investigated by testing the effect of drugs on dialysate DA and NA under α2receptor blockade. Under local perfusion of the occipital cortex with idazoxan, an otherwise ineffective dose of reboxetine and desipramine (5 mg/kg) became effective in raising extracellular DA. In contrast, the effect of reboxetine on NA was potentiated, while that of desipramine was not affected. These results suggest that, in the parietal and occipital cortices, extracellular NA, raised by NET blockade, exerts a preferential inhibitory influence on DA release by acting on local α2receptors, thus accounting for the bell‐shaped feature of the dose–response function of drugs on dialysate DA in these areas.
Cannabinoids attenuate norepinephrine‐induced melatonin biosynthesis in the rat pineal gland by reducing arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase activity without involvement of cannabinoid receptors
Authors: Koch Marco , Dehghani Faramarz , Habazettl Iris , Schomerus Christof , Korf Horst‐Werner 
Published: May 2006

AbstractCannabinoids modulate neuronal and neuroendocrine circuits by binding to cannabinoid receptors acting upon cAMP/Ca2+‐mediated intracellular signaling cascades. The rat pineal represents an established model to investigate intracellular signaling processes because a well defined input, the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, is transformed via cAMP/Ca2+‐dependent mechanisms into an easily detectable output signal, the biosynthesis of melatonin. Here we investigated the impact of cannabinoids on norepinephrine‐regulated melatonin biosynthesis in the rat pineal. We demonstrated that treatment of cultured rat pineals with 9‐carboxy‐11‐nor‐delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol or cannabinol significantly reduced norepinephrine‐induced arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (AANAT) activity and melatonin biosynthesis. These effects were not mimicked by the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212–2 and were not blocked by cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptor antagonists. The cannabinoids used did not affect norepinephrine‐induced increases in cAMP/Ca2+ levels. Notably, cannabinoids were found to directly inhibit AANAT activity in lysates of the pineal gland. This effect was specific in so far as cannabinoids did not influence the activity of hydroxyindole‐O‐methyltransferase (HIOMT), the last enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that cannabinoids inhibit AANAT activity and attenuate melatonin biosynthesis through intracellular actions without involvement of classical cannabinoid receptor‐dependent signaling cascades.
Generation of constitutively active calcineurin by calpain contributes to delayed neuronal death following mouse brain ischemia
Authors: Shioda Norifumi , Moriguchi Shigeki , Shirasaki Yasufumi , Fukunaga Kohji 
Published: May 2006

AbstractCalpain, a Ca2+‐dependent cysteine protease, in vitro converts calcineurin (CaN) to constitutively active forms of 45 kDa and 48 kDa by cleaving the autoinhibitory domain of the 60 kDa subunit. In a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, calpain converted the CaN A subunit to the constitutively active form with 48 kDa in vivo. We also confirmed increased Ca2+/CaM‐independent CaN activity in brain extracts. The generation of constitutively active and Ca2+/CaM‐independent activity of CaN peaked 2 h after reperfusion in brain extracts. Increased constitutively active CaN activity was associated with dephosphorylation of dopamine‐regulated phosphoprotein‐32 in the brain. Generation of constitutively active CaN was accompanied by translocation of nuclear factor of activated T‐cells (NFAT) into nuclei of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. In addition, a novel calmodulin antagonist, DY‐9760e, blocked the generation of constitutively active CaN by calpain, thereby inhibiting NFAT nuclear translocation. Together with previous studies indicating that NFAT plays a critical role in apoptosis, we propose that calpain‐induced CaN activation in part mediates delayed neuronal death in brain ischemia.
Soil quality and other factors influencing maize yield in northern Ghana
Authors: Braimoh A. K. , Vlek P. L. G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractFood security is a crucial issue in sub‐Saharan Africa as a consequence of unreliable rainfall, marginal soil fertility and a low level of inputs leading to declining crop yields. As a case study, we investigated the most important variables affecting maize yield in northern Ghana. We combined a soil quality index on a continuous scale with a social data set to model maize yield using linear multiple regression. Five significant variables have been identified (P < 0.05): soil quality index, fertilizer use, household size, distance from main market, and the interaction between fallow length and soil quality index. The effect of the interaction between soil quality and fallow on maize yield is negative, suggesting the influence of litter quality and N immobilization in the soils. Research and policy should focus on the development of site‐specific, legume‐based cropping, and the integration of crop and livestock farming in Northern Ghana and similar areas in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Factors Influencing Female Registered Nurses' Work Behavior
Authors: Brewer Carol S. , Kovner Christine T. , Wu Yow‐Wu , Greene William , Liu Yu , Reimers Cordelia W. 
Published: May 2006

Objective. To analyze factors that are related to whether registered nurses (RNs) work (WK) or do not work (NW) in nursing; and if the RN works, whether she works full‐ (FT) or part‐time (PT).Data Sources. Secondary data from National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses 2000 (NSSRN), the InterStudy Competitive Edge Part III Regional Market Analysis (2001), and the Area Resource File (2002).Study Design. Using a cross‐sectional design we tested the relationship between WK or NW and FT or PT; and demographic, job‐related, and metropolitan statistical area (MSA)‐level variables.Data Collection/Extraction Methods. We combined the data sources noted above to produce the analytic sample of 25,471 female RNs.Principal Findings. Working in nursing is not independent of working FT or PT. Age (55 and older), other family income, and prior other work experience in health care are negatively related to working as an RN. The wage is not related to working as an RN, but negatively influences FT work. Age, children, minority status, student status, employment status, other income, and some job settings have a negative impact on working FT. Previous health care work has a positive effect on whether married RNs worked. Married RNs who are more dissatisfied are less likely to work FT. A greater number of market‐level factors influence FT/PT than WK/NW behavior.Conclusions. An important contribution of this study is demonstrating that MSA‐level variables influence RN work behavior. The market environment seems to have little effect on whether a nurse works, but is influential on how much the nurse works, and has differential effects on married versus single nurses.
A New Consensus? Recent Research on Fascism in Europe, 1918–1945*
Authors: Bauerkämper Arnd 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe article surveys historical research on European fascism since the 1980s. On the basis of some general considerations on the fruitfulness of theories of fascism as well as on the exhaustive controversies about the ‘nature’ of the phenomenon, the contribution provides an overview and evaluation of recent scholarship on the ideology, dynamics and style of fascist movements and regimes. Moreover, fascism’s ambivalent relationship to modernity receives attention. Altogether, the author argues that concepts and ideal types of fascism are to be considered heuristic devices which should integrate the fascist actors, their world‐views, interpretations and appropriations of ‘reality’. Conceptualisations of fascism should also avoid the pitfall of plastering over the ambivalence of reactionary and radical aspirations on the part of the fascists and the ambiguity rooted in their efforts to achieve a national renewal by supporting universal fascism.
Changes in Nursing Education in the European Union
Authors: Zabalegui Adelaida , Macia Loreto , Márquez Josefa , Ricomá Roser , Nuin Carmen , Mariscal Isabel , Pedraz Azucena , Germán Concepción , Moncho Joaquín 
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To provide an overview of changes in nursing education in the European Union (EU) within the framework of the Bologna Declaration, signed in 1999 by the European ministers of education, and to describe specific efforts and changes in Spain.
Organizing Constructs: (a) the Bologna Declaration process, its recent reforms in all disciplines including nursing, and perspectives on future developments; (b) the Tuning Project, designed and carried out by a group of European universities to meet the challenges posed by the Bologna Declaration; and (c) efforts in a group of Spanish universities to promote higher education in nursing.
Findings and Conclusions: These changes promote enhanced academic recognition, professionalism in nursing education, and graduates' competencies in practice in most European countries by specifying the undergraduate nursing degree as the minimal entrance level for practice and master's and doctoral programs for further career development.
Understanding of Genetics Among Older Adults
Authors: Frazier Lorraine , Calvin Amy O. , Mudd Gia T. , Cohen Marlene Z. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To describe and compare the attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs of older adults from three ethnic groups about genetic testing and genetic research, to determine how the understanding of genetics influences informed consent, and to identify factors that are important in older adults' decisions about participation in genetic research.
Methods: Three focus groups were initially conducted with 23 African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic adults in community‐based settings. Discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis of transcripts was performed and a second session was conducted with participants from each group to confirm the analyses.
Findings: Four common themes related to genetics and informed consent for genetic testing were identified: (a) defining genetics, (b) justifying genetic testing, (c) family involvement, and (d) dignified agreement.
Conclusions: The findings from this study indicate that although these older adults had information about genetics, the information was not always accurate. In addition, deference among this cohort to providers' opinions showed the important role of healthcare professionals in providing genetic information and obtaining consent in ways that ensure it is voluntary and informed.
Outcome From Serious Injury in Older Adults
Authors: Jacoby Sara F. , Ackerson Theimann H. , Richmond Therese S. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To analyze the research published in peer‐reviewed journals between 1996 and 2005 about factors affecting the physical outcomes of older adults after serious traumatic injury.
Organizing Construct: Twenty‐seven primary research studies published in the last 10 years pertained to in‐hospital and long‐term outcomes of serious injury among older adults. Research specific to isolated hip injury, traumatic brain injury, and burn trauma was excluded.
Methods: An integrative review of research published between January 1996 and January 2005 was carried out to examine the relationship between older age and outcome from severe injury. MEDLINE, BIOSIS previews, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched using the MeSH terms: injury, serious injury, trauma and multiple trauma, and crossed with type, severity, medical/surgical management, complication, outcome, mortality, morbidity, survival, disability, quality of life, functional status, functional recovery, function, and placement.
Findings: Older adults in these studies had higher short‐ and long‐term mortality than did younger adults. The relationship between older age and poorer outcome persisted when adjusting for injury severity, number of injuries, comorbidities, and complications. At the same time, injury severity, number of injuries, complications, and gender each independently correlated with increased mortality among older adults. The body of research is limited by overreliance on retrospective data and heterogeneity in definitional criteria for the older adult population.
Conclusions: Additional research is needed to clarify the contributory effect of variables such as psychosocial sequelae and physiologic resilience on injury outcome. The field of geriatric trauma would benefit from further population‐based prospective investigation of the determinants of injury outcome in older adults in order to guide interventions and acute care treatment.
Difficult Communication in Nursing
Authors: Sheldon Lisa Kennedy , Barrett Roseann , Ellington Lee 
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To describe difficult communication in nurse‐patient interactions from nurses' perspectives.
Design: Grounded theory methodology and follow‐up questionnaire. Focus groups of nurses were conducted to explore nurses' perceptions of difficult communication in nurse‐patient interactions.
Methods: Using a semistructured interview script, the moderator guided six unit‐based focus groups at a 220‐bed, Roman Catholic, community hospital, and a recorder took field notes of the interactions. The sessions were audiotaped for transcription and analysis. Level I coding was done by the moderator and recorder after each group. Level II coding was done with the transcripts and conferral of two of the researchers. A follow‐up questionnaire with a 5‐point Likert scale was used to validate the 13 categories of difficult communication derived from the focus groups.
Findings: Five themes were identified: specific diagnoses and clinical situations, patient and family emotions, nurses' emotions, triangle of nurse‐physician‐patient communication, and nurse coping behaviors with difficult communication. Emotion was the core variable that made communication more difficult.
Conclusions: The groups described five major themes in difficult communication. They also identified the heavy emotional component of nurse‐patient communication and the difficulties arising in work relationships that complicated communication.
An Evaluation of How Well Research Reports Facilitate the Use of Findings in Practice
Authors: Leeman Jennifer , Jackson Beatrice , Sandelowski Margarete 
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To analyze how research is reported in journal publications as a potential barrier to use of research findings in practice.
Design: Content analysis of 46 reports of diabetes self‐management interventions published between 1993 and 2004.
Methods: Data were extracted from the publications using a coding scheme based on concepts from Rogers' theory of the diffusion of innovations.
Findings: Authors provided only some of the information potential users need to progress through Roger's stages of adopting an intervention and implementing it in practice. Authors provided only limited information on the target population; frequency, number, and duration of patient contacts; expertise and training required to deliver the intervention; intervention protocol; and the process of adapting and implementing interventions in practice settings.
Conclusions: To close the gap between research and practice, authors should offer more information to help readers decide whether and how to adopt and implement interventions.
Disparities Between Two Common Data Sources on Hospital Nurse Staffing
Authors: Jiang H. Joanna , Stocks Carol , Wong Cindy J. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To compare nurse staffing measures derived from two widely used data sources: the American Hospital Association (AHA) Annual Survey of Hospitals and the California Office for Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD).
Design: Descriptive cross‐sectional study with measures of nurse staffing level and skill mix constructed from each database for 372 nonfederal, acute care hospitals in California.
Methods: Discrepancies in nurse staffing estimates between the two databases were examined. Relationships of nurse staffing with risk‐adjusted patient outcomes (decubitus ulcer, failure to rescue, and mortality) were assessed through multivariate analyses and compared for nursing measures derived from the two databases.
Findings: For small, rural, or nonteaching hospitals, AHA reported substantially higher registered nurse (RN) hours per patient day than did OSHPD. RN proportion among licensed nurses matched most closely in the two databases. RN hours per patient day derived from both databases showed significant inverse relationships with decubitus ulcer and mortality, and the association was stronger for the measure based on the OSHPD data. RN proportion derived from the OSHPD data was significantly associated with all three patient outcomes, but the AHA measure had a significant relationship only with decubitus ulcer.
Conclusions: Compared with the AHA survey, the OSHPD data on hospital nurse staffing appear to be more complete and also were more closely associated with patient outcomes. Efforts to refine the AHA survey as a national database for nurse staffing will significantly enhance the capacity for monitoring nurse workforce and its effect on quality of care.
Optimal CINAHL Search Strategies for Identifying Therapy Studies and Review Articles
Authors: Wong Sharon S.‐L. , Wilczynski Nancy L. , Haynes R. Brian 
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To design optimal search strategies for locating sound therapy studies and review articles in CINAHL in the year 2000.
Design and Methods: An analytic survey was conducted, comparing hand searches of 75 journals with retrievals from CINAHL for 5,020 candidate search terms and 17,900 combinations for therapy and 5,977 combinations for review articles. All articles were rated with purpose and quality indicators. Candidate search strategies were used in CINAHL, and the retrievals were compared with results of the hand searches. The proposed search strategies were treated as “diagnostic tests” for sound studies and the manual review of the literature was treated as the “gold standard.” Operating characteristics of the search strategies were calculated.
Findings: Of the 1,383 articles about treatment, 506 (36.6%) met basic criteria for scientific merit and 127 (17.9%) of the 711 articles classified as a review met the criteria for systematic reviews. For locating sound treatment studies, a three‐term strategy maximized sensitivity at 99.4% but with compromised specificity at 58.3%, and a two‐term strategy maximized specificity at 98.5% but with compromised sensitivity at 52.0%. For detecting systematic reviews, a three‐term strategy maximized sensitivity at 91.3% while keeping specificity high at 95.4%, and a single‐term strategy maximized specificity at 99.6% but with compromised sensitivity at 42.5%. Three‐term search strategies optimizing sensitivity and specificity achieved these values over 91% for detecting sound treatment studies and over 76% for detecting systematic reviews.
Conclusions: Search strategies combining indexing terms and text words can achieve high sensitivity and specificity for retrieving sound treatment studies and review articles in CINAHL.
Literary History’s Alternate Groove: The Expectations of Periodization and Seventeenth‐Century Literary Culture
Authors: Ezell Margaret 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis piece investigates the possibilities of periodization and its labels for the mid‐ and later seventeenth century, historical decades which have always posed certain problems for those in search of literary period names. The Interregnum as a historical period has very clear boundaries, but supposedly little literary merit. The standard literary histories of the seventeenth century emphasized continuity with earlier Stuart court literary culture and suggested to us that literature, too, was defeated by a Puritan aesthetic, the “Cavalier winter.” The Restoration is typically represented as a clean break with the Interregnum. This “rupture” model creates the expectation that literary culture comes back in from the cold and the countryside; it also privileges certain forms of literature associated with the new court culture. This has hindered the perception of such diverse contemporary writers as John Milton, John Bunyan, and Aphra Behn as emerging from the same period. While the war years and the Interregnum have been recently become the focus of literary study of alternative radical voices – women’s religious discourse, radical political discourse, and the creation of the genres of journalism – this essay looks at yet another Interregnum literary culture, of the reading habits of the middle class, or artisan consumer. “Literature” is a commercial commodity as well as a cultural one. Leaving aside periodization as a means to assist in evaluating artistic merit, this essay instead uses it to define a discreet slice of time to explore in terms of what was being written and what was being printed and sold, in other words to provide a time frame for a descriptive overview of literary production and consumption.