Perceptual consequences of an illness-concern induction and its relation to hypochondriacal tendencies.

This article examines the perceptual consequences of activating illness concern as a function of hypochondriacal tendencies. In 2 independent samples, hypochondriacal tendencies were associated with slower reaction times on a modified emotional Stroop task when the stimulus words were illness related, but only when illness concern was activated. Moreover, these findings emerged when hypochondriacal tendencies were defined as a sensitivity to bodily sensations. When defined as illness preoccupation and fear, hypochondriacal tendencies were associated with a generalized pattern of perseveration to all stimuli when health concern was activated. Finally, the results persisted even after statistically controlling for state anxiety. Findings are discussed within the context of an activation hypothesis and highlight the importance of the operational definition and assessment of hypochondriacal tendencies when examining perceptual biases. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The inhibitory effect of nociceptin on the micturition reflex in anaesthetized rats

1. We have investigated the effect of nociceptin on the micturition reflex evoked by distension or topical application of capsaicin on the urinary bladder of urethane-anaesthetized rats. 2. Nociceptin produced a dose-dependent (3-100 nmol kg(-1) i.v.) transient suppression of the distension-evoked micturition reflex: its effect was not modified by guanethidine (68 micromol kg(-1) s.c.) nor by bilateral cervical vagotomy, alone or in combination, and by naloxone (1.2 micromol kg(-1) i.v.). 3. Nociceptin (100 nmol/kg i.v.) slightly (about 30%) inhibited the contractions of the rat bladder produced by pre- or postganglionic electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerve. 4. Nociceptin almost totally abolished the reflex component of the response to topical capsaicin (1 microg in 50 microl). 5. In the rat isolated bladder, submaximal contractions produced by electrical field stimulation were slightly reduced (25+/-4% inhibition) by 1 microM nociceptin. Nociceptin did not affect the contraction of the rat bladder induced by acetylcholine (10 microM) or ATP (1 mM). 6. These findings indicate that nociceptin exerts a naloxone-resistant suppression of the volume-evoked micturition reflex which involves inhibition of transmitter release from postganglionic bladder nerves. An inhibitory effect on bladder afferent nerves is also suggested.     

Morphology and electrochemical properties of Pd-based catalysts deposited by different thin-film techniques

Pd/C-based electrodes for fuel cells applications were prepared by galvanostatic electrodeposition and DC sputtering of palladium on gas diffusion layers. Different sets of samples were realized by varying the Pd load, for each technique. The surface morphology of the deposits was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry in acidic solution was applied to study the catalytic behavior of the freshly deposited samples and to follow their evolution with increasing cycle numbers. The results showed that, depending on the sputtering or electrochemical technique and metal load, samples grew with different morphologies and showed different electrochemical behaviors, with electroactive surface values ranging between a few tens to some hundreds m²/g. Sputtered films were characterized by a microstructure made of sub-micrometric cauliflower-shaped clusters and showed the highest electroactive surface values after prolonged voltammetric scanning. Pd hydride formation with both α and β phases and high hydrogen absorption capability were observed in some of the electrodeposited samples, in association to flower-like micrometric-size clustered structure and hydrogen codeposition during the electrochemical growth process.     

Tachykinins and reflexly evoked atropine-resistant motility in the guinea pig colon in vivo

Distension of a balloon placed in the proximal colon of anesthetized, guanethidine- and naloxone-pretreated guinea pigs elicited a series of long-lasting regular phasic pressure waves which were suppressed by hexamethonium. Activity evoked by a low degree of balloon distension was largely, but not completely, suppressed by atropine. Further balloon distension in atropine-treated animals enabled us to study the effect of tachykinin receptor antagonists on the atropine-resistant and hexamethonium-sensitive response to distension. The selective tachykinin receptor antagonists, (+/-)-CP 96,345 for the NK-1 receptor and L 659,877, MEN 10,376 and SR 48,968 for the NK-2 receptor, inhibited with varying potency the atropine-resistant response to distension. These antagonists also blocked the contraction of the guinea pig colon produced by the i.v. administration of selective NK-1 and NK-2 receptor agonists. In vitro experiments, using mucosa-free circular muscle strips from the guinea pig colon, proved the existence of functional NK-1 and NK-2 receptors in this tissue. We conclude that both NK-1 and NK-2 receptors participate in the atropine-resistant reflex contractions produced by localized balloon distension of the guinea pig colon in vivo.     

Tachykinin receptors and intestinal motility

OBJECTIVE: To determine the propensity of beta-lactam antimicrobials to ameliorate or potentiate aminoglycoside-induced renal enzymuria. DESIGN: Two open, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group studies were conducted in young, healthy, male volunteer subjects. Using a common protocol, 24-hour urine collections were analyzed for the renal tubular enzymes alanine aminopeptidase (AAP) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), as well as for creatinine. Antimicrobial combinations studied included gentamicin plus placebo and gentamicin plus ticarcillin/clavulanate (protocol 1); and gentamicin plus placebo, gentamicin plus piperacillin, and gentamicin plus ceftazidime (protocol 2). The antimicrobial regimens were administered for 7 days. Eight subjects completed each treatment group. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between treatment groups with regard to urine creatinine excretion or serum gentamicin concentrations in either protocol. Enzymuria (AAP [p = 0.039] and NAG [p = 0.337]) was decreased in the gentamicin plus ticarcillin/clavulanate treatment compared with that in the gentamicin plus placebo treatment. Increased enzymuria, as indicated by increased urine concentrations of AAP and NAG, was observed in the gentamicin plus ceftazidime treatment (p < 0.05) compared with the other two treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Based on relative enzymuria, ticarcillin/clavulanate may be renal protective. Piperacillin neither potentiated nor ameliorated aminoglycoside-induced enzymuria. Since acute elevations in AAP and NAG reflect insults to the kidney, these studies suggest that ceftazidime may enhance aminoglycoside-induced renal injury. Piperacillin had no effect on enzymuria and would appear not to enhance or protect against aminoglycoside-induced renal injury.     

A comparison of models of drinking motives in a university sample.

Previous research has suggested the presence of several alternative factorial models for the assessment of drinking motives. In the present study, confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure of the Drinking Motives Questionnaire (M. L. Cooper, 1994) in a college sample. The results indicate that a 4-factor model that includes the dimensions of social rewards, affect enhancement, coping, and conformity motives fits the data significantly better than 2- and 3-factor models. Furthermore, the 4-factor model fits equally well for men and women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Life regrets and current goals as predictors of psychological adjustment.

Life regrets and current goals were examined as predictors of psychological adjustment in a sample of 155 Ss who rated these constructs along 13 theoretically derived dimensions. Relative to regrets, goals were perceived as more impactful, important, controllable, achievable, socially supported, and desirable, and as occupying more time and energy. Hierarchical regression models indicated that regret ratings account for an additional 19.8% of the variance in life satisfaction and 11.9% of the variance in depression scores after removing the variance attributed to goal ratings. Furthermore, regrets contributed to the prediction of psychological adjustment after controlling for negative affectivity. A content analysis of respondents' regrets is presented and related to chronological age and gender. A goal-based reformulation of regrets is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Specificity and generality of motivational components in depression: A personal projects analysis.

Features of depression, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), were distinguished from anxiety, as assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and were explored from a goals perspective using the Personal Projects Analysis methodology (B. R. Little, 1983). Ss were 152 undergraduates. Depression and anxiety were found to reflect a "negative" appraisal pattern characterized by goals rated high in stress and difficulty, and low in structure, control, perceived skill, and positive outcome expectancy. Depression also revealed distinctive features not found in anxiety (e.g., goals that are perceived as being less visible to important others). A goal-based approach to research and diagnosis is presented, and implications for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)