bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors α4* and α6* differentially modulate dopamine release in mouse striatal slices
Authors: Meyer Erin L. , Yoshikami Doju , McIntosh J. Michael 
Published: February 2008

AbstractStriatal dopamine (DA) plays a major role in the regulation of motor coordination and in the processing of salient information. We used voltammetry to monitor DA‐release evoked by electrical stimulation in striatal slices, where interneurons continuously release acetylcholine. Use of the α6‐selective antagonist α‐conotoxin MII[E11A] and α4 knockout mice enabled identification of two populations of DA‐ergic fibers. The first population had a low action potential threshold, and action potential‐evoked DA‐release from these fibers was modulated by α6. The second population had a higher action potential threshold, and only α4(non‐α6) modulated action potential‐evoked DA‐release. Striatal DA‐ergic neurons fire in both tonic and phasic patterns. When stimuli were applied in a train to mimic phasic firing, more DA‐release was observed in α4 knockout versus wild‐type mice. Furthermore, block of α4(non‐α6), but not of α6, increased DA release evoked by a train. These results indicate that there are different classes of striatal DA‐ergic fibers that express different subtypes of nicotinic receptors.
Differential neurochemical consequences of an escalating dose‐binge regimen followed by single‐day multiple‐dose methamphetamine challenges
Authors: Graham Devon L. , Noailles Pierre‐A. H. , Cadet Jean Lud 
Published: February 2008

AbstractChronic intake of methamphetamine (METH) causes tolerance to its behavioral and subjective effects. To better mimic human patterns of drug abuse, the present study used a rodent model that took into account various facets of human drug administration and measured METH‐induced effects on brain monoamine levels. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with METH or saline according to an escalating dose schedule for 2 weeks. This was followed by a challenge regimen of either saline or one of two doses of METH (3 × 10 mg/kg every 2 h or 6 × 5 mg/kg given every hour, both given within a single day). Both challenge doses of METH caused significant degrees of depletion of dopamine in the striatum and norepinephrine and serotonin in the striatum, cortex, and hippocampus. Animals pre‐treated with METH showed significant attenuation of METH‐induced striatal dopamine depletion but not consistent attenuation of norepinephrine and serotonin depletion. Unexpectedly, METH pre‐treated animals that received the 3 × 10 mg/kg challenge showed less increases in tympanic temperatures than saline pre‐treated rats whereas METH pre‐treated animals that received the 6 × 5 mg/kg METH challenge showed comparable increases in temperatures to saline pre‐treated rats. Therefore, pre‐treatment‐induced partial protection against monoamine depletion is probably not because of attenuated METH‐induced hyperthermia in those rats.
Non‐formal learning and interprofessional collaboration in health and social care: the influence of the quality of staff interaction on student learning about collaborative behaviour in practice placements
Authors: Pollard Katherine C. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis paper reports findings from a qualitative study exploring pre‐qualifying health and social care students’ experiences of interprofessional learning and working in practice placement settings. The author argues that processes of non‐formal learning and unconscious role modelling in these environments are key to students’ developing collaborative skills. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a quota sample of 52 students from 10 health and social care professions. Data were analysed thematically. The nature of interprofessional collaboration varied across different settings, with students encountering a more disparate range of professions and agencies in community and social work settings than in acute healthcare settings. Most students appeared to have been exposed to examples of both effective and poor collaborative working. Although many students characterized interprofessional collaboration in placement settings as ‘good’, this assessment often conflicted with their description of behaviour that could be considered to constitute suboptimal collaborative practice. Students perceived the quality of interprofessional interaction to depend mainly on interpersonal communication, showing little awareness of how organizational systems influence collaboration. The findings show that some staff in placement settings experienced problems when working with colleagues from other disciplines, and indicate that consequently, through processes of non‐formal learning and unconscious role modelling, some students may have learned inappropriate behaviours with regard to interprofessional working. Although students were not necessarily expected to appreciate the importance of appropriate organizational systems for the establishment and maintenance of effective interprofessional collaboration, it appeared that staff members might also not be aware of these issues. The author argues that staff in placement settings need to understand and model the relevant capacities in order to provide students with appropriate learning opportunities in this regard. It appears that qualified staff need support to develop their own collaborative practice, so that they are able effectively to support students’ interprofessional learning and working in practice.
Design considerations for online learning in health and social work education
Authors: Reeves Patricia M. , Reeves Thomas C. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIncreasingly, health and social work educators are joining their colleagues throughout higher education in exploring the possibilities of teaching and learning online. Online teaching and learning initiatives have been aided by both proprietary and open source course management systems such as BlackBoard and Moodle. However, the rush to put courses online is rarely informed by adequate consideration of the affordances of the World Wide Web to support different types of pedagogical dimensions or instructional design. In addition, academic staff members may jump into teaching online without sufficient consideration of the design components that can be implemented in online courses. This study provides an introduction to 10 design dimensions, derived from research and theory in instructional technology, cognitive science and adult education, for guiding the design and evaluation of online learning environments for health and social work education. It concludes by addressing the rewards and risks of online learning.
Evidence of α1‐adrenoceptor functional changes in omental arteries of patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Cruz‐Domínguez M. P. , Villalobos‐Molina R. , Miliar‐García A. , Montes‐Cortés D. H. , Reséndiz‐Ramírez A. C. , Asbun‐Bojalil J. , Cervantes‐Cruz J. , Castillo‐Hernández M. C. , Castillo‐Henkel C. 
Published: February 2008

Summary1α1‐Adrenoceptor (α1‐AR) subtypes were characterized in isolated omental arteries obtained after abdominal surgery in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) or with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 plus ESRD (ESRD‐DM).2Omental arteries from patients with ESRD and ESRD‐DM elicited a significant increase in sensitivity to phenylephrine with a pD2(−log EC50) of 6.7 and 6.6, respectively,vs.the control (5.8,P < 0.001).3Stimulation with phenylephrine was conducted in the presence or absence of selective α1‐AR competitive antagonists: 5‐methylurapidil (α1A‐), AH11110A (1‐[biphenyl‐2‐yloxy]‐4‐imino‐4‐piperidin‐1‐yl‐butan‐2‐ol; α1B‐) and BMY7378 (8‐[2‐[4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]ethyl]‐8‐azaspiro [4.5] decane‐7,9‐dione; α1D‐). The relative abundance of mRNA for all three α1‐ARs was determined.4The maximal contractile responses to phenylephrine were:Emax1.59 ± 0.17, 1.48 ± 0.08 and 1.55 ± 0.14 g for the ESRD, ESRD‐DM and control groups, respectively.5Functionally, there was an increment in the affinity for the α1A‐AR antagonist (pA2: control 7.45, ESRD 8.36, ESRD‐DM 8.0;P < 0.01), and a reduction in the α1B‐AR antagonist affinity (8.3 for controls, 7.6 for ESRD and 7.3 for ESRD‐DM;P < 0.01) associated with renal disease. The affinities for the α1D‐AR antagonist were similar among the studied groups (8.5 for the controls, 8.7 for the ESRD and 8.1 for the ESRD‐DM groups).6Renal disease increased mRNA expression of α1B‐ARs and reduced both α1A‐ and α1D‐ARs subtypes in ESRD and ESRD‐DM patients.7The results suggest that human omental arteries exposed to chronic uraemia show vascular hypersensitivity to phenylephrine, because of functional α1‐AR changes.
Cholinergic responses of ileal longitudinal muscle under short‐lasting exposure to cupric ions
Authors: Nachev Ch. , Ivancheva Chr. , Apostolova M. D. , Radomirov R. 
Published: February 2008

Summary 1 The effect of short‐term exposure to cupric ions (Cu2+) on electric field‐stimulated (EFS) or agonist‐induced contractions of guinea‐pig isolated ileum was studied. 2 EFS elicited tetrodotoxin‐ and atropine‐sensitive contractions that were concentration dependently inhibited by Cu2+ (IC50 = 14.7 ± 4.2 μm). Maximal inhibition (90.4 ± 3.1% of baseline contractions) was attained with 30 μm Cu2+. 3 Carbachol induced concentration‐dependent contractions (EC50 = 0.021 ± 0.004 μm) that were inhibited by 0.3 μm atropine to a non‐competitive manner (decreased maximal response, EC50 value = 0.26 ± 0.04 μm, Ke = 0.026 μm). Cu2+ (15 μm) potentiated contractions induced by carbachol, such that the maximum response was increased by 30.3 ± 10.4%. 4 Histamine induced concentration‐dependent contractions of the longitudinal muscle (EC50 = 0.11 ± 0.03 μm). Dyphenhydramine (0.1 μm) decreased the maximum response to histamine and shifted the curve to the right (EC50 value = 4.71 ± 0.35 μm, Ke = 0.0024 μm). Cu2+ (15 μm) caused a rightward shift of the histamine concentration–response curve (EC50 = 0.61 ± 0.1 μm) without changing the maximum response. Serotonin induced concentration‐dependent contractions at concentrations higher than 10 nM (EC50 value of 0.34 ± 0.12 μm) were not significantly affected by 15 μm Cu2+. 5 Our results suggest that in ileal longitudinal muscle, Cu2+ inhibits cholinergic neurotransmission but also facilitates postsynaptic muscarinic receptor responses.
Peripheral administration of CDP‐choline, phosphocholine or choline increases plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations
Authors: Cansev M. , Ilcol Y. O. , Yilmaz M. S. , Hamurtekin E. , Ulus I. H. 
Published: February 2008

Summary1Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 200–600 μmol/kg of cytidine‐5′‐diphosphocholine (CDP‐choline) increased plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations dose‐ and time‐dependently.2CDP‐choline treatment caused several‐fold increases in plasma concentrations of CDP‐choline and its metabolites phosphocholine, choline, cytidine monophosphate (CMP) and cytidine.3Equivalent doses (200–600 μmol/kg; i.p.) of phosphocholine or choline, but not CMP or cytidine, increased plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline dose‐dependently.4CDP‐choline, phosphocholine and choline (600 μmol/kg; i.p.) augmented the increases in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline in response to graded haemorrhage.5The increases in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline induced by i.p. 600 μmol/kg of CDP‐choline, phosphocholine or choline were abolished by pre‐treatment with hexamethonium (15 mg/kg; i.p.), but not atropine (2 mg/kg; i.p.).6At 320–32 000 μmconcentrations, choline, but not CDP‐choline or phosphocholine, evoked catecholamine secretion from perfused adrenal gland. Choline (3200 μm)‐induced catecholamine secretion was attenuated by the presence of 1 μmof hexamethonium or mecamylamine, but not atropine, in the perfusion medium.7Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of choline (0.5–1.5 μmol) also increased plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline dose‐ and time‐dependently. Pre‐treatment with mecamylamine (50 μg; i.c.v.) or hexamethonium (15 mg/kg; i.p.), but not atropine (10 μg; i.c.v.), prevented i.c.v. choline (1.5 μmol)‐induced elevations in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline.8It is concluded that i.p. administration of CDP‐choline or its cholinergic metabolites phosphocholine and choline increases plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations by enhancing nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission in the sympatho‐adrenal system. Central choline also activates the sympatho‐adrenal system by increasing central nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission.
A bibliography of applications of operational research in West Africa
Authors: Smith David K. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThere is considerable interest in the potential for using operational research (O.R.) in developing countries. One sign of this is the formation of new societies for O.R. scientists in countries and regions where no such society had existed. Since 2003, such societies have been formed in several parts of Africa. This paper focuses on West Africa, and presents a bibliography of papers relating to applications of O.R. in the nations of this part of the continent. The paper describes the way in which the bibliography was collated and discusses the overall picture that the list of papers presents of the state of O.R. in the 18 countries that are considered.
A three‐phase methodology for developing or evaluating bank networks
Authors: Alexandris George , Dimopoulou Maria , Giannikos Ioannis 
Published: February 2008

AbstractOne basic characteristic of modern society, besides the fast spread of information, is the increased use of banking services in order to fulfil consumer needs. Apart from their income, modern consumers rely to an increasing extent on banking services and money transactions as well, in order to buy consumer products and cover their financial needs. Thus the new standards of the ‘consumer society’ significantly affect the role and the importance of banking services. The end of the monopoly era characterized by increased competition leads banks to modify their strategies, to provide more and better services, to reorganize their structure and expand or merge their networks. In this context we propose a three‐phase methodology for developing and/or evaluating banking networks. The above methodology calculates an ‘attractiveness index’ for each area, and combines geographic information systems with demand covering models so as to propose the best network structure.
Food security problems in sub‐Saharan Africa: Operations Research as a tool of analysis
Authors: Schweigman Caspar 
Published: February 2008

AbstractFor many years, the author has been involved in teaching and research in the use of Operations Research as a tool of analysis to study food security problems in sub‐Saharan Africa, in particular, grass root problems of poor farmers. The paper presents an introduction to the way Operations Research methods have been applied in case studies and research projects, and discusses in retrospect the author's views on the strengths and limitations of the application of Operations Research. The paper has in particular been written for people who are not familiar with applications of Operations Research in agriculture, and are interested to learn about its potential usefulness in practice. The retrospective part is largely based on food security studies in e.g. Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Bénin, Togo and Eritrea and on participation in several interdisciplinary research programmes in Africa.
Towards a shared systems model of stakeholders in environmental conflict
Authors: Elias Arun Abraham 
Published: February 2008

AbstractDeveloping a shared mental model of stakeholders in conflict is a challenge in environmental conflict management. In this paper, we describe the development of a shared systems model of stakeholders in environmental conflict in the Transmission Gully project, a large‐scale transport infrastructure project in the Wellington region of New Zealand. Selected stakeholders of this project partook in generating this shared model, in the form of a causal loop diagram. This model was then analysed qualitatively to provide different insights into potential system behaviours.
The Prescription of Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Tzamaloukas Antonios H. , Raj Dominic S. C. , Onime Aideloje , Servilla Karen S. , VanderJagt Dorothy J. , Murata Glen H. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn addition to the maintenance of normal extracellular electrolyte composition, the prescription of continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) should address four other specific issues: (i) prevention of uremia by achievement of adequate clearance of azotemic substances, (ii) prevention of progressive expansion of the extracellular volume by adequate peritoneal ultrafiltration, (iii) prevention of loss of residual renal function, and (iv) prevention of deterioration of the peritoneal membrane structure and function. Urea clearance, in the form of Kt/VUrea, is the index of removal of azotemic substances proposed by current guidelines. The target total (renal plus peritoneal) Kt/VUrea is ≥1.7 weekly. To provide the desired peritoneal Kt/VUrea (Kpt/VUrea), the prescription of peritoneal dialysis must provide a daily drain volume (Dv) defined by the clearance equations as Dv = V × (Kpt/VUrea)/(D/PUrea), where V is body water obtained from published anthropometric formulas, Kpt/VUrea = (1.7 − renal Kt/VUrea)/7 and D/PUrea is the dialysate‐to‐plasma urea concentration ratio at the dwell time prescribed. Computer programs obtain the relevant D/PUrea values from formal studies of peritoneal transport. In the absence of these studies (for example, at initiation of CPD), D/PUrea values can be obtained from published studies with similar dwell times. Body size, indicated by V, is the major determinant of the Kpt/VUrea limit provided by a given CPD schedule. Other obstacles to achievement of adequate urea clearance are created by poor patient compliance, inaccuracies of the anthropometric formulas estimating V, and mechanical complications of CPD that lead to retention of dialysate in the body. The main requirements for the prescription of adequate ultrafiltration are knowledge of the individual peritoneal transport characteristics, monitoring of urinary volume, and restriction of dietary sodium intake. Excessive dietary sodium intake is the major cause of extracellular volume expansion in CPD. Ideally, sodium intake should be kept at the level of total (peritoneal plus renal) sodium removal. Preventing the loss of residual renal function involves avoidance of nephrotoxic influences in the form of medications, radiocontrast agents, urinary obstruction and infection, and possibly other influences, such an elevated calcium–phosphorus product and anemia. Use of the lowest dialysate dextrose concentration that will allow adequate ultrafiltration is currently the most widespread practical measure of prevention of peritoneal membrane deterioration. Formulation of biocompatible dialysate is a major ongoing research effort and may greatly enhance the success of CPD in the future.
Eosinophilic Peritonitis Following Air Entrapment During Peritoneoscopic Insertion of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters
Authors: Fourtounas Costas , Dousdampanis Periklis , Hardalias Andreas , Liatsikos Evangelos , Vlachojannis Jannis G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractEosinophilic peritonitis following peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion is an infrequent but important complication. While allergic reaction to catheter material has been noted to be a culprit, air infusion into the abdominal cavity has also been highlighted to be a cause of this complication. In this article, we report two patients with end‐stage renal disease where air entrapment in the peritoneal cavity during a peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion resulted in eosinophilic peritonitis. The complication resolved with the reabsorption of entrapped intraperitoneal air and treatment with ketotifen. Peritonitis observed in the postoperative period during the peritoneoscopic insertion of a peritoneal dialysis catheter could be the result of air entrapment. Such patients might not require antibiotic therapy or catheter removal. Reabsorption of entrapped air and treatment with ketotifen might be all that is required.
Upper Limit of Serum Ferritin: Misinterpretation of the 2006 KDOQI Anemia Guidelines
Authors: Fishbane Steven 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIntravenous iron treatment in hemodialysis patients improves response to recombinant human erythropoietin and facilitates achievement of targets for hemoglobin and hematocrit. Excessive treatment, however, could expose patients to risks related to iron overload and oxidative stress. Therefore, international treatment guidelines generally recommend that intravenous (i.v.) iron be discontinued when serum ferritin is >500–1000 ng/ml. In the current review, relevant issues that inform decisions as to what levels of serum ferritin should be used as the upper limit for treatment are considered. A conclusion is reached that the current published literature is inadequate for developing evidence‐based guidelines on this issue. Instead, clinical judgment is critical to properly weigh risks and benefits of i.v. iron treatment, and to determine whether iron treatment is appropriate for a given patient with higher levels of iron tests.
Altered Development of Brain by Neonatal Ethanol Exposure: Zinc Levels during and after Exposure
Authors: Samson Herman H. , Diaz Jaime 
Published: February 2008

Neonatal rats, exposed to ethanol by use of an artificial rearing technique during the first postnatal week, have been shown to have a 20% reduction in brain weight compared to littermate controls. The mechanisms responsible for this deficit remain to be determined. One hypothesis, which has been suggested that could be responsible for the microcephaly observed in the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is that human alcoholics have decreased serum zinc levels. It is well documented that zinc deficiency in rats results in microcephaly. Thus, ethanol administered in the diet could result in lowered zinc levels in serum and brain, and hence be the underlying factor for the brain growth deficiency reported.In these studies, serum and brain zinc levels were determined for animals exposed to ethanol using the artificial rearing procedure, and for their littermate controls, artificially reared on the same formula without ethanol. No differences at any time were found in either serum or brain zinc levels. This would suggest that zinc availability could not account for the effects found on brain growth.
Alcoholic Liver Diseases in Portugal. Clinical and Laboratory Picture, Mortality, and Survival
Authors: Alves Patricia S. , Correia J. Pinto , D'Água ConĹeigäTo Borda , Portugal Luísa , Capaz V. , Rodrigues Madalena L. , Rodrigues H. L. 
Published: February 2008

Six main types of histopathoiogical changes were found in 463 patients with chronic alcoholism admitted during the 10‐year period from 1966 to 1975: group I, normal liver in 2.6%; group II, fatty liver in 8.4%; group III, acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH) in 7.6%; group IV, cirrhosis with or without steatosis in 68.7%; group V, cirrhosis with AAH in 12.8%; group VI, liver cell carcinoma (LCC) in 1.9% (all of the latter patients were also included in group IV). Seventy‐three % were males and 27% were females. Females tended to be older than males.Cirrhosis was found in 68% of the group between 21 and 30 yr and in 85% between 51 and 60 yr. Normal histology or steatosis was less frequent after the age of 50 yr. Ascites and jaundice were more frequent in patients with AAH than in patients with steatosis. The majority of patients had SGOT under 100 karmen units/ml; SGPT was normal in 80% of patients with cirrhosis and higher than 100 karmen units/ml in 10%. SGPT was higher than SGOT in only 11.9% of the patients. Mortality was 46.7% according to the follow‐up until 1978. Survival was 38.4% at the end of the first year and decreased very slowly afterwards to 32.8% in males and 11.5% in females after a 5‐yr period.