The Toxic Effect of Lanthanum on Planaria Is Mediated by a Variety of Ion Channels.

The effect of toxic concentrations of La on the Ca, K, Na, Mg, and Cl channels of planaria was investigated through the use of various agonists and antagonists to those channels. It was demonstrated that La exerts its toxic effects through L-type, but not T-type, Ca channels. La also demonstrated activity at Na, K, Mg, and Cl channels, but, these effects were most likely mediated by other effects of La on Ca activity.

Experimental toxicology: Issues of statistics, experimental design, and replication.

The difficulty of replicating experiments has drawn considerable attention. Issues with replication occur for a variety of reasons ranging from experimental design to laboratory errors to inappropriate statistical analysis. Here we review a variety of guidelines for statistical analysis, design, and execution of experiments in toxicology.

Motivational Factors Predict Weight Loss in Rural Adults.

Objective: The objective was to: (a) describe the changes over time in motivational factors of weight loss and (b) to examine predictors of weight loss in rural adults enrolled in a weight loss program.

Design And Sample: A longitudinal study was conducted in a convenience sample of 50 adults recruited from a rural Young Men's Christian Association.

Measures: Questionnaires were completed at baseline (preprogram), 1, 2 and 3 months (end of program).

Eating Self-Regulation in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Concept Analysis.

Background: Poor eating behaviors greatly influence the development of becoming overweight or obese. Learning to better self-regulate eating is one area in which individuals can positively influence their own health.

Purpose: The purpose of this concept analysis is to provide an in-depth analysis of the concept eating self-regulation as it pertains to overweight and obese adults using Walker and Avant's method.

The role of metal regulatory proteins in brain oxidative stress: a tutorial.

The proteins that regulate the metabolism of a metal must also play a role in regulating the redox activity of the metal. Metals are intrinsic to a substantial number of biological processes and the proteins that regulate those activities are also considerable in number. The role these proteins play in a wide range of physiological processes involves them directly and indirectly in a variety of disease processes.

The toxicity of depleted uranium.

Depleted uranium (DU) is an emerging environmental pollutant that is introduced into the environment primarily by military activity. While depleted uranium is less radioactive than natural uranium, it still retains all the chemical toxicity associated with the original element. In large doses the kidney is the target organ for the acute chemical toxicity of this metal, producing potentially lethal tubular necrosis.

The effects of motivational interviewing on physiological outcomes.

This study examined the effects of a motivational interviewing (MI) intervention on physiological outcomes among hyperlipidemic persons randomly assigned to an MI (n = 12) or an attention-control (AC; n = 12) group. Lipid and cardiorespiratory fitness levels were measured pre- and postintervention. The MI intervention was significant in reducing total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol but not in increasing VO(2max) when compared with the AC group.

The evolution of depleted uranium as an environmental risk factor: lessons from other metals.

Depleted uranium (DU) is used in both civilian and military applications. Civilian uses are primarily limited to ballast and counterweights in ships and aircraft with limited risk of environmental release. The very nature of the military use of DU releases DU into the environment.

Effects of short-term and long-term depleted uranium exposure on open-field behavior and brain lipid oxidation in rats.

Male and female rats were exposed to depleted uranium acetate (DU) in drinking water at doses of 0, 75, or 150 mg/L for either 2 weeks or 6 months. After exposure, the animals were tested for behaviors in the open-field. After testing in the open-field, the brains were examined for levels of lipid oxidation using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay.

Acute physiologic and chronic histologic changes in rats and mice exposed to the unique hallucinogen salvinorin A.

Salvinorin A is a unique hallucinogen that is seeing increased use in humans. It is not currently a controlled substance and is used as a legal alternative to controlled substances. Usually smoked or buccally absorbed by chewing, doses of approximately 200 mcg can produce profound hallucinogenic effects of short duration.