bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased dopamine D receptors in rats reared in social isolation
Authors: King Madeleine V. , Seeman Philip , Marsden Charles A. , Fone Kevin C.F. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPostweaning social isolation in the rat induces lasting alterations that parallel several of the core symptoms seen in human schizophrenics, including hyperreactivity to novel environments, cognitive impairment, and deficits in sensorimotor gating. The current study determined whether these changes are accompanied by any elevation in the proportion of striatal dopamine receptors in the functional high affinity state (D), as observed in other preclinical models of psychosis. Male Lister hooded rats (20–24 days) were housed in groups of three or alone. On Day 36 postweaning locomotor activity was monitored for 60 min in a novel arena, and on Day 37 novel object discrimination was assessed using a 2 h intertrial interval. Three days later striata were collected, homogenized, washed three times to remove endogenous dopamine, and the proportion of D determined by competition between dopamine and 2.27 nM [3H]domperidone. Isolates were significantly more active than group housed controls for both ambulation and rears. Although both groups exhibited comparable levels of familiarization trial object exploration, group housed animals were able to discriminate between novel and familiar objects during the choice trial while isolates were not. Social isolation was associated with a highly significant elevation in the proportion of striatal D, equivalent to a 3.3‐fold increase (group 15.2% ± 1.4%, isolate 49.8% ± 4.8%; P < 0.0001, Student's unpaired t‐test). These findings support both the hypothesis that elevated D is a common feature of multiple animal models of psychosis, and the validity of isolation rearing as a neurodevelopmental model of a “schizophrenia‐like” state. Synapse 63:476–483, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The study of the changes in the biochemical and mineral contents of bones ofCatla catladue to lead intoxication
Authors: Palaniappan PL. RM. , Krishnakumar N. , Vadivelu M. , Vijayasundaram V. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn the present study, an attempt has been made to analyze the changes in the biochemical and mineral contents of lead‐intoxicated bones ofCatla catlaat subchronic (15.5 ppm) exposure, and also to determine whether the effects of Pb intoxication can be reversed with the chelating agent meso 2, 3‐dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) on the bones of freshwater fingerlingsCatla catlaby using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic absorption spectrophotometer techniques. The FT‐IR spectra of the lead‐exposed bones show significant alteration in the biochemical constituents. The XRD analysis showed a decrease in crystallinity due to lead exposure. Further, the Ca, Mg, and P contents of the lead‐exposed bones were less than those of the control group, and there was an increase in the mineral contents of the bones after DMSA treatment. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the subchronic lead exposure results in severe loss of bone minerals. The overall decrease in the FT‐IR band intensity of Pb‐exposed bones relative to the control indicates a decrease in the biochemical constituents like proteins and lipids. The increase in the band intensity after treatment with chelating agent DMSA indicates increased biochemical constituents, showing that the subchronic effects of lead can be reversed by DMSA. The amide I bands observed at 1654 cm−1in the present study suggest that the protein is dominated by α‐helical structure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Apoptotic‐related protein changes induced by hexavalent chromium in mice liver
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Feng , Lou Xiao‐Ming , Shen Ying , Xing Ming‐Luan , Xu Li‐Hong 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAlthough it has been reported that hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) could induce apoptosis in a variety of cell types, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process is still largely unknown. This study was undertaken to determine effects of single oral 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight doses of potassium dichromate on the expression level of p53, Bcl‐2, Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase‐3, which are vital regulators of apoptosis, in mice liver. The results showed that Cr(VI) could upregulate the protein expression of p53, Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase‐3 and downregulate the expression of Bcl‐2 in mice liver. All these results suggested that p53, Bcl‐2, Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase‐3 may be involved in the regulation of Cr(VI) induced apoptosis in vivo. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties of a New Coordination Polymer Framework [CoII(4,4′‐bpy)(N3)2]n
Authors: Liang Shengli , Liu Zhiliang , Liu Caiming , Di Xiaowei , Zhang Jun , Zhang Deqing 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA new cobalt(II) coordination polymer containing 4,4′‐bipyridine and azide as bridging ligand, [CoII(4,4′‐bpy)(N3)2]n (1) was synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions and was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies and magnetic susceptibility measurements. It exhibits an acentric structure, in which cobalt(II) ions are linked through end‐to‐end (EE) azido groups. The 4,4′‐bpy ligands are coordinated on the axial positions of the octahedral environment reinforcing the intermetallic connections and resulting in a network. Circular dichroism spectra of the compound exhibit a maximum negative Cotton effect at 260 nm, which indicates the chiral nature of 1. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range 2–300 K reveal the existence of antiferromagnetic couplings in the framework.
A New Sodium Borate: Na[B6O8(OH)3]·6H2O·H3BO3
Authors: Köse Dursun Ali , Zümreoglu‐Karan Birgül , Hökelek Tuncer , Sahin Ertan 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe structure of [B6H9NaO14, H3BO3, 6H2O] was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and further analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy and differential thermal/thermogravimetric analysis. The asymmetric unit contains Na–O polyhedra (distorted octahedron), [B6O8(OH)3]– fundamental building blocks, one free water molecule and one free H3BO3 molecule. In the hexaborate anion, three B3O3 rings are linked by a common oxygen atom with five trigonal and one tetrahedral boron atoms. The hexaborate group is also linked to the oxygenated environment of the sodium atom by three other six‐membered rings, each of which involve two boron atoms, three oxygen atoms, and sodium as the joint atom.
[Cd3Cu]CuP10, [Cd3Cu] Cluster Stabilized in an Adamantane‐Like Polyphosphide Substructure
Authors: Bawohl Melanie , Nilges Tom 
Published: February 2009

Abstract[Cd3Cu]CuP10 is the first representative of the adamantane‐like polyphosphides featuring a metalloid, tetrahedral [M3X] heterocluster, containing only d10 ions. It was prepared by the mineralization concept for polyphosphides using CuI as the mineralizer species. The title compound crystallizes cubic in the space group F3m (No. 216), with a = 10.479(2) Å and V = 1150.9(4) Å3. It is isostructural to the tin containing coinage‐metal polyphosphides [M3Sn]CuP10 with M = Cu, Ag, Au. A perfect orientation disorder of the [Cd3Cu] heterocluster relative to the space diagonals of the cubic cell is present, which is characteristic for the metalloid substructure of this class of compounds. EDX measurements substantiated the refined composition within the standard deviation of the experiment. A slow decomposition of [Cd3Cu]CuP10 was proven by DSC measurements and annealing experiments. The DSC spectra of different samples showed a broad exothermic effect starting at 573 K, which could be identified as a decomposition to new phases. Preliminary results of a single crystal structure determination of the main phase after decomposition pointed towards realized structure units closely related to the title compound, the Cu2P20 and the [Ag3Sn]P7 structure type. A detailed examination of the structural features of this new compound is still in progress.
Vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells mediate carbachol‐induced hepatocyte proliferation via muscarinic receptors and IP3/PKC signaling cascades
Authors: Yoshimura Ryoichi , Arai Jun‐ichi , Endo Yasuhisa 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAn acetylcholine (ACh) agonist, carbachol (Cch), causes hepatocytes to proliferate in the presence of hepatic nonparenchymal cells (HNPCs). To identify the HNPCs and ACh receptor subtypes involved in carbachol‐induced hepatocyte proliferation (CIHP), we examined two types of vascular cells as candidates for HNPCs mediating CIHP in cocultures of hepatocytes using the Transwell filter insert. In the coculture with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) or endothelial cells (VECs), but not in the monoculture, 72 h treatment with Cch significantly increased the numbers of hepatocytes. The results suggest that both VSMCs and VECs are involved in CIHP through soluble factors secreted from these cells. Interestingly, coculture with VECs, but not with VSMCs, markedly increased the number of hepatocytes, even in the absence of Cch. Cell proliferation assays using an analogue of thymidine, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), demonstrated that the hepatocytes in both cocultures transiently replicated their chromosomes 12 h after Cch administration. Blocking the muscarinic type 1 ACh receptor (M1), M3/5, intracellular inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptor, or protein kinase C (PKC) pathways inhibited VSMC‐mediated CIHP, whereas blocking the M3/5, IP3receptor, or PKC pathways inhibited VEC‐mediated CIHP. Co‐culturing hepatocytes with both types of vascular cells markedly increased their albumin content, but addition of Cch had no effect. In conclusion, VSMCs among vascular cells mediate CIHP through M1, M3/5, and IP3/PKC signal transduction pathways, whereas VECs do so through M3/5, and IP3/PKC pathways.
Berücksichtigung gesundheitlicher Belange im Rahmen der ökologischen Stadtentwicklung
Authors: Welteke Rudolf 
Published: February 2009

Einleitung
Der (gesunde) Mensch im Mittelpunkt der Entwicklung urbaner Lebenswelten – Wunschtraum oder Wirklichkeit? Die urbane Realität stellt sich unter gesundheitlichen Gesichtspunkten vielerorts anders dar und lässt an der Wirksamkeit und Aktualität solcher Impulse zweifeln. „Berücksichtigung von Gesundheitsbelangen“ – schon diese passive Ausdrucksweise verweist auf die nach wie vor existente Posteriorität von Prävention und Gesundheitsschutz in urbanen Planungs- und Entwicklungsansätzen: weiterhin ist eine echte Emanzipationsaufgabe zu leisten – unter möglichst aktiver Beteiligung der wissenschaftlichen Public-Health-Community.
HOW INVOLVED ARE AMERICAN L2 LEARNERS OF SPANISH IN LEXICAL INPUT
PROCESSING TASKS DURING READING?
Authors: Pulido Diana 
Published: February 2009

This study examines the nature of the involvement load (Laufer &
Hulstijn, 2001) in second
language (L2) lexical input processing through reading by considering the
effects of the reader-based factors of L2 reading proficiency and background
knowledge. The lexical input processing aspects investigated were lexical
inferencing (search), attentional allocation during target word (TW)
verification (evaluation), TW episodic memory after verification, TW retention,
and changes in lexical input processing. This study also addresses the
relationships between inferencing and retention as well as the relationships
among the various phases of lexical input processing. A questionnaire on
self-reported strategy use during the TW verification task was designed to
examine motivation and cognitive involvement. A repeated-measures design was
used with a cross-sectional sample of 35 adult L2 learners of Spanish.
Participants read narratives (one more and one less familiar) that contained
nonsense words. They guessed the meanings of the TWs. After reading all of the
stories, participants completed an online inference verification task whose goal
was to confirm or to correct guesses and to encourage deeper processing of TWs.
This was followed by a test of TW episodic memory (yes/no verification) and a
strategy questionnaire. Afterward, participants completed two tests
that measured receptive retention of meaning. Analyses reveal differential
effects of the reader-based variables across the different aspects of lexical
input processing and negative changes in lexical input processing due to an
interaction between reading proficiency and background knowledge. Results
illustrate how reader-based factors also affect learner involvement and lexical
input processing.
The lived experience of parenting a child with a life-limiting condition: A focus on the mental health realm
Authors: Rodriguez Alison , King Nigel 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTObjective:As medical technology has improved, there has been a marked increase in the numbers of children with life-limiting conditions being managed in the community. Few studies have evaluated the life worlds of the parents of these children. However, there have been studies that have reported feelings of isolation and depression among mothers. This article reports a study that highlights the mental health implications of the lived experience of parenting a child with a life-limiting condition.Method:Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 parents of children with life-limiting conditions and analyzed using a phenomenological method.Results:The essential meaning of the phenomenon “the lived experience of parenting a child with a life limiting condition” is understood as a full-time emotional struggle involving six continuous constituents: inner drive, feeling responsible, psychological effects, threatened self image, social withdrawal, and a fear of reaching the bottom line.Significance of results:Very little clinical attention is focused upon the wider issues that affect parents dealing with caring for a child with a life-limiting condition.
Can short hospice enrollment be long enough? Comparing the perspectives of hospice professionals and family caregivers
Authors: Waldrop Deborah P. , Rinfrette Elaine S. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTObjective:Hospice utilization lasting for 2 weeks or less before death is considered “short.” Short, late-stage hospice admissions have been viewed as inadequate for providing end-stage symptom management, maximal comfort, and a comprehensive focus on life closure and as an underutilization of the Medicare Hospice Benefit. The purpose of this study was to explore psychosocial dynamics during late-stage hospice admissions by comparing the perspectives of hospice professionals and family caregivers. Salutogenic principles and concepts from Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence Theory (SOC) guided the inquiry.Methods:This exploratory, descriptive study involved a developmental design. First, hospice professionals' perspectives about psychosocial dynamics commonly observed in late-stage admissions were gathered. Themes were distilled into a Psychosocial Factors Checklist (PFC). Second, interviews that incorporated open-ended questions and the PFC were conducted with 56 family caregivers of hospice patients who died from cancer within 2 weeks of admission. Participant responses were transcribed and entered into Atlas ti software for data management and coding. Responses to the PFC were clustered around the SOC constructs (manageability, comprehensibility, meaningfulness) to create corresponding subscales. Interitem correlations were conducted to explore the associations among items.Results:Late-stage admissions were a crisis (54%), chaotic (43%), emotional (80%), and a time of open communication (80%) and meaningful conversations (73%). Hospice utilization was “just long enough” (49%) and “too short” (49%). The Manageability subscale (M = 4.09) suggested that caregivers experienced moderate difficulty. Manageability included physical challenges, emotional responses, informational needs, and benefits/resources. Comprehensibility emerged from medical results, visual signs, and hospice guidance. Meaningfulness was personal-individual, family-shared, and spiritual-existential.Significance of results:Hospice professionals and caregivers view late-stage admissions differently; they are a crisis for some but not all families. The development of a quick assessment tool for late-stage admissions has the potential for meaningful and effective intervention when time is of the essence.
Recruitment and retention of palliative cancer patients and their partners participating in a longitudinal evaluation of a psychosocial retreat program
Authors: Garland Sheila N. , Carlson Linda E. , Marr Hubert , Simpson Steve 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective:The negative impact of a palliative cancer diagnosis on the quality of life of patients and their partners is well documented. Unfortunately, research on interventions to improve psychological and spiritual well-being of these couples has been considered impractical because of the deleterious influence of disease progression on participation. This study evaluated the feasibility of offering the Tapestry Retreat, an intensive psychosocial intervention for palliative care patients and their partners.Methods:Participants in the Tapestry Retreat included 15 patients with advanced breast, prostate, or colon cancer and their partners (n = 30). Also included was a natural history group consisting of 20 patients and their partners (n = 40). All couples completed questionnaires related to quality of life, distress, marital satisfaction, and existential concerns at baseline, after the retreat or 1 month after baseline, and then again at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.Results:Patients in the Tapestry group were significantly more likely to be women who had received prior psychological support and were less comfortable with their finances. Partners attending the Tapestry retreat were also more likely to have received prior psychological support.Significance of results:Despite issues with recruitment and retention, retreat participation was considered feasible. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
Implementation of computerized technology in a palliative care unit
Authors: André Beate , Ringdal Gerd I. , Loge Jon H. , Rannestad Toril , Kaasa Stein 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTObjective:Symptom assessment is important in palliative care. Computerized technology (CT) is now available for use in such assessments. Barriers against implementation of CT in health care in general are well known, but less is known about how such technology is perceived by palliative health care personnel. The aim of the present study was to investigate the experience with implementation of CT among personnel in symptom assessment at a palliative care unit.Method:Seventeen respondents from a hospital ward unit and an outpatient clinic unit participated in an in-depth interview. A qualitative approach was used in collecting and analyzing the data.Results:Respondents at the hospital ward unit were better motivated than respondents at an outpatient clinic unit. It was stated that the health condition of the patient is important in their perception of the tool as useful or not. Conflicts between “high tech” and “high touch” were reported in both units.Significance of results:When the implementation process is conducted in such a manner that the health care personnel are involved, benefits of the tool can be realized. Thus, effective implementation and use of high tech can lead to more time released for high touch.
The patient lived experience for surgical treatment of colorectal liver metastases: A phenomenological study
Authors: McCahill Laurence E. , Hamel-Bissell Brenda P. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTObjective:The treatment experience for patients undergoing surgical treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis is understudied. This study sought to identify common themes in this experience in order to identify factors of importance in treatment decision making.Methods:The study utilized the phenomenological qualitative research approach. In-depth patient interviews conducted by a nurse researcher were tape-recorded and analyzed using the Colaizzi procedural steps.Results:All participants were interviewed and included 7 men and 5 women, ages 43–75, each with treatment experience with both chemotherapy and major surgery. Participants did not recall their decision to undergo liver surgery as a single event, rather as another in a series of health care choices during the long continuum of their CRC cancer disease experience. Seven common themes that emerged from the analyses of interviews as having significant impact on their treatment experience were communication with the health care provider, support from others, the patient's own attitude, cure uncertainty, coping strategies, hospital care concerns, and Internet information.Significance of results:This study identified factors of importance to patients that may serve to enhance communication, education, treatment satisfaction, and access to surgery for patients with CRC liver metastases. Further validation of our findings with a broader patient population is necessary.
Individual brief art therapy can be helpful for women with breast cancer: A randomized controlled clinical study
Authors: Thyme Karin Egberg , Sundin Eva C. , Wiberg Britt , Öster Inger , Åström Sture , Lindh Jack 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTObjective:Recent research shows that almost every second woman with breast cancer is depressed or has anxiety; the risk for younger women is even higher. Moreover, research shows that women are at risk for developing depression, also a threat for women with breast cancer. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to study the outcome of five sessions of art therapy given at a 5-week period of postoperative radiotherapy.Methods:The participants were between 37 and 69 years old; six participants in each group were below 50 years of age. Half of the participants (n = 20) received art therapy and the other half (n = 21) were assigned to a control group. At the first measurement, at least 17% (n = 7) of the participants medicated with antidepressants. Data were collected before and after art therapy and at a 4-month follow-up using self-rating scales that measure self-image (the Structural Analysis of Social Behaviour) and psychiatric symptoms (the Symptom Check List–90).Results:At follow-up, significant lower ratings of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms and less general symptoms were reported for the art therapy group compared to the control group. The regression analysis showed that art therapy relates to lower ratings of depression, anxiety, and general symptoms; chemotherapeutic treatment predicts lower depressive symptoms; in contrast to axilliary surgery and hormonal treatment as well as being a parent predicts higher ratings of anxiety and general symptoms.Significance of results:The conclusion suggests that art therapy has a long-term effect on the crisis following the breast cancer and its consequences.