bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Varicocele and Retrograde Adrenal Metabolites Flow
Authors: Camoglio Francesco Saverio , Zampieri Nicola , Corroppolo Michele , Chironi Christian , Dipaola Giuseppe , Giacomello Luca , Ottolenghi Alberto
Published: December 2004

Background: Idiopathic varicocele is one of the causes of potentially correctable male subfertility. The mechanisms causing spermatogenesis impairment have yet to be clarified. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of renal and adrenal metabolite reflux on testicular exocrine function in a rat experimental model. Materials and Methods: In the study, 45 male Lewis Stock adult rats, each weighing 300 g, were used. The rats were subdivided into three groups of 15 rats. In group A (control group) testicular volume and basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were measured at the beginning of the study and after 9 months. In group B, varicocele was induced by means of rings introduced in the left renal vein in order to cause a renospermatic reflux. In group C, similarly to group B, varicocele was induced after removal of left adrenal gland. The effects of varicocele on testicular function were then analyzed 3, 6 and 9 months after surgery. After 9 months, all rats underwent testicular biopsy. Results: Both groups B and C showed a reduction in testicular volume, an increase in FSH and a decrease in testosterone levels. These levels were higher in group B. Testicular histological assessment showed important structural abnormalities in group B rats. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that renal and adrenal metabolites enhance varicocele-induced testicular damage. This theory is supported both by hormonal impairment and testicular histological analysis.
Testicular Oxidative Stress
Authors: Özdamar A.S. , Soylu A.G. , Çulha M. , Özden M. , Gökalp A.
Published: December 2004

Objective: This present study was undertaken to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in testes of adolescent rats with experimental bilateral varicocele and to determine the effects of oxidative stress on testis produced by varicocele. Methods: 6-week-old, male Wistar rats, weighing 146–334 g (228.37 ± 41.34 g), were randomly allocated into two groups. The first group underwent selective and bilateral partial ligation of the spermatic vein (n = 28), and the second group underwent a sham operation and served as the controls (n = 15). Animals were sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery and dilatation of the spermatic veins was observed in the first study group. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed in all rats, and MDA, NO and TAS levels were measured. Results: In the study group, the mean MDA (SEM) level was 15.58 ± 6.07 µmol/g protein, and in the control group, it was 11.59 ± 3.86 µmol/g protein, respectively; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean NO level was 82.73 ± 77.84 nmol/g protein in the study group, whereas 28.65 ± 20.18 nmol/g protein in the control group, this difference was also statistically significant (p < 0.005). The mean TAS levels of the study and control groups were 0.91 ± 0.32 and 1.78 ± 0.46 nmol/g tissue, respectively, and this difference was also statistically significant (p < 0.001). But there was no correlation between these three parameters (MDA↔TAS: r = –0.103, p > 0.05; MDA↔NO: r = –0.104, p > 0.05; NO↔TAS: r = –0.123, p > 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that varicocele may change the testicular oxidative status and may play a role in testicular dysfunction that causes infertility.
Giant Multilocular Cystadenoma of the Prostate: A Rare Differential Diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Hauck Ekkehard W. , Battmann Achim , Schmelz Hans U. , Diemer Thorsten , Miller Jörg , Weidner Wolfgang , Knoblauch Bernd
Published: December 2004

We report a case of giant multilocular cystadenoma of the prostate in a 43-year-old man. This is a rare benign entity of the prostate imitating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and originates from the prostate with extensive spread into the pelvis. Histologically, prostatic glands and cysts lined by cuboid to columnar epithelial cells with basally located nuclei are characteristic. Immunohistochemical staining is positive for prostate-specific antigen in the epithelial cells. Giant multilocular prostatic cystadenoma should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis in any case of a large cystic mass originating from the prostate.
Metachronous Bilateral Leydig Cell Tumor in a Male Adult Aged 20
Authors: Praz V. , Strebel R. , Regusci S. , Sarazin D. , Hauri D.
Published: December 2004

We report a young male aged 20 who has suffered two episodes of Leydig cell tumor of the testis, the second occurring 5 years after the first in the contralateral testis. The case is outlined briefly, with references taken from the literature. This young man’s history is exceptional as this type of tumor is infrequent, and metachronous bilateral presentation extremely rare.
Normal Human Keratinocytes Pretreated with Damaged mRNA Are Resistant to UVB Damage and Exhibit Increased DNA Repair
Authors: Mammone T. , Goyarts E. , Ya P.E. , Ingrassia M. , Gan D. , Marenus K. , Maes D.
Published: December 2004

Treatment of normal human keratinocytes with UVC-irradiated rabbit globin mRNA 24 h before and after UVB exposure increased the survival of the human keratinocytes. We also observed that UVC-damaged mRNA reduced the formation of sunburn cells in skin models. We next tested the effects of UVC-damaged mRNA on cellular repair of DNA. DNA repair was evaluated using 2 assay methods. The first method used a damaged plasmid that is transfected back into the cell where it is repaired by the host cell repair mechanism. In these experiments, we observed that externally added UVC-damaged rabbit globin mRNA enhanced the repair of a plasmid transfected into the host keratinocyte cells. The second method used to determine the effects on DNA repair was direct immunostaining for thymidine-thymidine dimers (TT dimers) in histological sections of the skin models. Skin models were irradiated with UVB and then fixed immediately or after 24 h and stained for TT dimers. UVB irradiation immediately caused an increase in the number of stained keratinocytes in the skin. The number of stained cells decreased in skin fixed 24 h after UVB. This is due to repair of the TT dimers and their removal. Sections of skin models pretreated with UV-damaged mRNA exhibit greater removal of these TT dimers after 24 h. The above evidence suggests that damaged mRNA can trigger a host cell DNA repair pathway.
First Case of Lymphangioma of the Bladder in an Adult
Authors: Wyler S.F. , Bachmann A. , Singer G. , Gasser T.C. , Sulser T.
Published: December 2004

Lymphangioma is a congenital malformation consisting of a developmental or primary defect of the lymphatic channels. We report the first case of lymphangioma of the bladder in an adult and review the literature. In our case a 49-year-old man presented with irritative voiding symptoms, cystoscopy showed a non-papillary tumor between the two orifices within the trigone, and transurethral resection was performed. Three months after operation the irritative voiding symptoms had improved and cystoscopy showed no residual tumor.
Asymmetry of Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity in Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Swarup Jyothi , Baker Robyn Wyman , Brozanski Beverly Sobchak , Yanowitz Toby Debra
Published: December 2004

Background: In premature infants, intraventricular hemorrhage occurs more commonly in the left than the right hemisphere. We have demonstrated previously that cerebral blood flow velocity is lower in the left than the right middle cerebral artery in the first few hours after birth. This may be due to the open ductus arteriosus. Objective: To test the hypothesis that blood flow velocity is lower in the left than the right middle cerebral artery only when the ductus arteriosus is open. Study Design: Infants born at 25–33 weeks’ gestation were enrolled. Middle cerebral artery blood flow velocities and coefficients of variation were measured on the left, followed by the right, on days 1 and 7 of life. Echocardiography identified 67 infants (25–33 weeks, 517–2,371 g) whose ductus arteriosus was open on day 1 and closed on day 7. Results: Systolic (26.4 ± 7.4 vs. 29.6 ± 7.2 cm/s), mean (12.4 ± 4.0 vs. 15.6 ± 4.6 cm/s) and end-diastolic (5.3 ± 2.2 vs. 6.8 ± 2.9 cm/s) blood flow velocities were lower (p < 0.01) and the corresponding coefficients of variation were higher (p < 0.01) on the left on day 1. Neither the absolute Doppler blood flow velocities nor the coefficients of variation differed between the left and right sides on day 7. Conclusions: Blood flow velocity is lower and more variable in the left compared to the right middle cerebral artery on day 1 of life in premature infants. These differences are not found on day 7. We speculate that this difference is due to the associated ductus arteriosus patency.
Effect of Fludarabine on Leukocyte Functions
Authors: Doğan A. Lale , Doğan Ayça , Canpınar Hande , Düzgünçınar Övünç , Demirpençe Ediz
Published: December 2004

Background: Fludarabine induces leukemic cell apoptosis and is highly efficient in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, fludarabine therapy causes severe leukopenia. Leukocyte myeloperoxidase (MPO) catalyzes the formation of HOCl, and this is the main microbicidal function in phagocytes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of fludarabine on leukocytes, i.e. their degranulation capacity, MPO activity and HOCl production. Methods: Peripheral blood leukocytes were incubated for 48 h with fludarabine. Degranulation was measured using a flow-cytometric method. MPO activity and HOCl production were measured spectrophotometrically. Results: The degranulation capacity of fludarabine-treated leukocytes was significantly elevated compared to untreated controls. MPO activity and HOCl production were also increased in parallel. A possible direct activating effect of fludarabine was tested on the MPO activity of HL60 cells. Fludarabine did not affect MPO activity at concentrations ranging from 10 µM to 2 mM. Conclusion: Fludarabine had no inhibitory effect on the microbial killing of leukocytes.
Smooth Muscle Cell Hypertrophy in Varicose Veins Is Associated with Expression of Estrogen Receptor-β
Authors: Knaapen Michiel W.M. , Somers Pamela , Bortier Hilde , De Meyer Guido R.Y. , Kockx Mark M.
Published: December 2004

Varicose veins are characterized by dilated and thickened vein walls. This study examined whether the changes that occur in varicose veins are associated with smooth muscle cell (SMC) hypertrophy, cellular proliferation or apoptosis. Moreover, the association between SMC hypertrophy and the expression of the estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) was investigated. Varicose veins were obtained from male patients during vascular stripping surgery (n = 11) and nonvaricose veins during coronary bypass surgery, also from male subjects (n = 12). The cellular volume of the SMC in both the longitudinal and circular layer of the vessel wall was measured using stereological methods. Apoptosis was detected using the TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling) technique. SMC proliferation and ERβ expression were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Neither in the longitudinal nor in the circular layer of the varicose vein wall were signs of apoptosis or proliferation present. However, the mean cellular volume of the SMC in the circular layer of the varicose veins was strongly increased (5,291 ± 363 µm3) as compared to non-varicose veins (2,812 ± 212 µm3, p < 0.001). Moreover, ERβ expression in the circular layer of varicose veins (63 ± 4%) significantly differed from nonvaricose veins (39 ± 4%; p = 0.001). Interestingly, the SMC volume correlated with ERβ expression (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). These data show that cell death or proliferation of SMC do not, or only rarely, occur in varicose veins. However, remodeling of varicose veins can mainly be attributed to increased volumes of the SMC of the circular layer and this increase correlates with ERβ expression.
Deaths in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: Eiholzer Urs
Published: December 2004

Irrespective of GH treatment, children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) suffer more frequently and more seriously from respiratory problems than healthy children. The pathogenesis of such respiratory problems in PWS seems to be multifactorial in origin, but mainly related to insufficiency of respiratory muscles and pharyngeal narrowness. Deaths of children with PWS are reported among GH treated as well as untreated children. Our data show that also disturbed body composition plays an important role in fatal outcomes, possibly enhancing the ventilation disorder. For several years, in our recommendations we have pointed out the secondary risks of increasing obesity. In addition, it is recommended for all children with PWS, in particular before institution of GH therapy, to have polysomnography and an otorhinolaryngologic examination performed, and tonsillectomy in the case of enlarged tonsils. Furthermore, upper airway infections should be treated aggressively.
Plasma Aminopeptidase Activities in Rats after Left and Right Intrastriatal Administration of 6-Hydroxydopamine
Authors: Banegas Inmaculada , Prieto Isabel , Vives Francisco , Alba Francisco , Duran Raquel , Segarra Ana Belen , de Gasparo Marc , Ramírez Manuel
Published: December 2004

Asymmetries in the neuroendocrine system extend from central structures to paired endocrine glands and their innervation. In addition to the well-known asymmetry in the function of brain dopamine, there are also asymmetries in the peripheral response to experimental hemi-parkinsonism, performed by means of lesions of the nigrostriatal system with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injections into the left or right hemisphere. Therefore, it is speculated that the neuroendocrine system would also be asymmetrically affected in experimental hemi-parkinsonism. Aminopeptidases (AP) play a major role in the control of peptide concentration at both central and peripheral levels in tissues and blood, thus reflecting the functional status of their endogenous substrates. Therefore, to evaluate the peripheral response of hemi-parkinsonism, we have performed a comprehensive study of plasma AP activities after lesions of the nigrostriatal system with 6-OHDA administered into either left or right striatum of adult male rats. Saline was injected into control groups. AlaAP, CysAP, AspAP and GluAP activities were determined in plasma, using specific arylamides as substrates. Plasma AlaAP activity increased 3-fold (p < 0.001) whereas AspAP activity decreased by 30% (p < 0.05) after lesion of the right hemisphere. In contrast, CysAP and GluAP activities increased significantly after lesion of the left hemisphere by 200 and 50%, respectively (p < 0.05). The main discovery of the present results demonstrates that experimental hemi-parkinsonism affects differentially the plasma AP activities depending on the hemisphere in which the lesion is performed. This suggests that the circulating hormones, susceptible to be hydrolyzed by these enzymatic activities, are also modified.
Analysis of the Mechanism of the Vasodepressor Effect of Urocortin in Anesthetized Rats
Authors: Abdelrahman Aly M. , Syyong Harley T.T. , Tjahjadi Anindita A.G. , Pang Catherine C.Y.
Published: December 2004

The aim was to examine if the depressor effect of urocortin involves activation of the nitric oxide (NO)/L-arginine pathway, production of prostanoids or opening of K+-channels. I. v. bolus urocortin (0.1–3 nmol/kg) dose-dependently decreased mean arterial pressure in thiobutabarbital-anesthetized rats. The depressor effect of urocortin was unaffected by pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, inhibitor of NO synthase, i.v. bolus) or noradrenaline (i.v. infusion), which increased arterial pressure to a similar level as that produced by L-NAME. In addition, methylene blue (inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, i.v. infusion), indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor, i.v. bolus), glibenclamide (blocker of ATP-sensitive K+-channels, i.v. bolus) or tetraethylammonium (a non specific K+-channel blocker, i.v. bolus) did not affect the depressor effect of urocortin. In conclusion, the depressor effect of urocortin in anesthetized rats is not mediated via the NO/L-arginine pathway, activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase, production of prostanoids, opening of TEA sensitive K+-channels nor opening of ATP sensitive K+-channels.
In the Ventral Tegmental Area, G-Proteins and cAMP Mediate the Neurosteroid 3α,5α-THP’s Actions at Dopamine Type 1 Receptors for Lordosis of Rats
Authors: Petralia Sandra M. , Frye Cheryl A.
Published: December 2004

Progestins have multiple mechanisms of action in the central nervous system that are important for modulating lordosis of female rats. In the ventral tegmental area (VTA), progestins, such as the progesterone metabolite and neurosteroid 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP), regulate lordosis via actions independent of intracellular progestin receptors. We hypothesized that if, in the VTA, dopamine type 1 receptors (D1), G-proteins, and adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) are downstream effectors of 3α,5α-THP’s actions for lordosis, then pharmacological manipulations of these signaling molecules will produce changes in 3α,5α-THP-facilitated lordosis of estradiol (E2)-primed rats. VTA infusions of 3α,5α-THP (50 ng) or 3α,5α-THP and the D1 agonist SKF38393 (100 ng) increased lordosis of ovariectomized, E2 (10 µg)- primed rats, compared to vehicle. Both 3α,5α-THP- and 3α,5α-THP plus SKF38393-facilitated lordosis was reduced by VTA infusions of the G-protein inhibitor guanosine 5′-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP-β-S; 50 µM), but not vehicle. Also, in the VTA, blocking D1 with SCH23390 (100 ng) decreased, or increasing cAMP with 8-bromo-cAMP (200 ng) enhanced, 3α,5α-THP-facilitated lordosis of E2-primed rats. Notably, SCH23390’s inhibitory effects on 3α,5α-THP-facilitated lordosis were reversed by 8-bromo-cAMP. Thus, in the VTA, 3α,5α-THP’s actions for lordosis may involve activation of D1 and initiation of the G-protein-mediated second messenger cAMP.
Alteration of Cyclopiazonic Acid-Mediated Contracture of Mouse Diaphragm after Denervation
Authors: Hong S.J. , Liang Hsiu-Chuan , Shen Ching-Jung
Published: December 2004

As a major Ca2+ source for muscle contraction, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle maintains its Ca2+ content by uptake of myoplasmic Ca2+ and by replenishment with extracellular Ca2+. Since transection of motor nerve alters the functions of SR Ca2+ pump and sarcolemma ion channels, this study explored the effect of denervation on the contracture evoked by cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), an inhibitor of SR Ca2+ pump. In innervated hemidiaphragm, CPA elicited a bimodal elevation of muscle tone, which was dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and differentially inhibited by pretreatment with 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane (APB) and U73122. Activation of muscle Na+ channels to simulate denervation-induced membrane depolarization did not change the contracture profile. After denervation for 5–14 days when the contracture induced by caffeine was not yet depressed, CPA elicited only APB-sensitive monophasic contracture. Stimulation of ATP-regulated K+ channels with lemakalim hyperpolarized muscle membrane and attenuated CPA contracture in denervated, but not innervated, hemidiaphragm. The effects of lemakalim were antagonized by glybenclamide. It is inferred that the bimodal CPA contracture is resulted from distinct recruitments of Ca2+ entry and that denervation alters the voltage dependence and down-regulates CPA-mediated Ca2+ influx.
Daily and Circadian Rhythms of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor and Factor VII Activity
Authors: Pinotti Mirko , Bertolucci Cristiano , Portaluppi Francesco , Colognesi Ilaria , Frigato Elena , Foà Augusto , Bernardi Francesco
Published: December 2004

Objective—

Diurnal variations in levels of factor VII (FVII), FVIII, proteins C and S, antithrombin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, prothrombin fragment F
1+2
, and D-dimers in healthy humans point to the existence of circadian rhythms of coagulation factors. We sought for temporal fluctuations of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) activity in human and mouse plasma.

Methods and Results—

TFPI activity showed significant daily variations with highest levels in the morning in healthy men (+11%) and in mice at the light-to-dark transition (+63%), the beginning of the physically active period. Variations in FVII activity paralleled those in TFPI. In mice, the feeding schedule had a strong impact on these rhythms. Although restricted feeding and fasting shifted the peak of TFPI, the FVII peak disappeared. Investigation of temporal fluctuations in constant darkness indicated the existence of daily rhythms for TFPI and of true circadian rhythms for FVII.

Conclusions—

For the first time, we report, both in humans and mice, temporal variations in TFPI activity. The coherent variations in FVII and TFPI activity could interplay to maintain the coagulation equilibrium. The chronobiological patterns should be considered to analyze activity levels of these factors. Moreover, the mouse model could be exploited to investigate modifiers of coagulation rhythms potentially associated to morning peaks of cardiovascular events.
ADP Acting on P2Y
13
Receptors Is a Negative Feedback Pathway for ATP Release From Human Red Blood Cells
Authors: Wang Lingwei , Olivecrona Göran , Götberg Matthias , Olsson Martin L. , Winzell Maria Sörhede , Erlinge David
Published: December 2004

Red blood cells may regulate tissue circulation and O
2
delivery by releasing the vasodilator ATP in response to hypoxia. When released extracellularly, ATP is rapidly degraded to ADP in the circulation by ectonucleotidases. In this study, we show that ADP acting on P2Y
13
receptors on red blood cells serves as a negative feedback pathway for the inhibition of ATP release. mRNA of the ADP receptor P2Y
13
was highly expressed in human red blood cells and reticulocytes. The stable ADP analogue 2-MeSADP decreased ATP release from red blood cells by inhibition of cAMP. The P2Y
12
and P2Y
13
receptor antagonist AR-C67085 (30 μmol/L), but not the P2Y
1
blocker MRS2179, inhibited the effects of 2-MeSADP. At doses where AR-C67085 only blocks P2Y
12
(100 nmol/L), it had no effect. AR-C67085 and the nucleotidase apyrase increased cAMP per se, indicating a constant cAMP inhibitory effect of endogenous extracellular ADP. 2-MeSADP reduced plasma ATP concentrations in an in vivo pig model. Our results indicate that the ATP degradation product ADP inhibits ATP release by acting on the red blood cell P2Y
13
receptor. This negative feedback system could be important in the control of plasma ATP levels and tissue circulation.
Role of the Interleukin-6 −174 G>C Gene Polymorphism in Retinal Artery Occlusion
Authors: Weger Martin , Steinbrugger Iris , Haas Anton , März Winfried , El-Shabrawi Yosuf , Weger Wolfgang , Schmut Otto , Renner Wilfried
Published: December 2004

Background and Purpose—

Proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6) are supposed to play a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis. A common polymorphism in the promoter of the
IL-6
gene (IL-6 −174G>C) affects plasma IL-6 concentrations and has been suggested as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present case-control study was to investigate the role of this polymorphism for retinal artery occlusion (RAO).

Methods—

One hundred eighty-two patients with RAO and 307 control subjects were genotyped for the IL-6 −174G>C polymorphism. Genotypes were determined by fluorogenic exonuclease (TaqMan) assay.

Results—

The prevalence of the CC genotype was significantly lower in patients with RAO than in control subjects (10.4% versus 19.9%;
P
=0.006). Homozygosity for the
C
allele was associated with an odds ratio of 0.50 (95% CI, 0.28 to 0.89) for RAO.

Conclusions—

The CC genotype of the IL-6 −174G>C polymorphism may be associated with a protective effect against RAO.
Headache at Stroke Onset in 2196 Patients With Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Tentschert Susanne , Wimmer Romana , Greisenegger Stefan , Lang Wilfried , Lalouschek Wolfgang
Published: December 2004

Background and Purpose—

Headache is a common symptom in acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, but many aspects of its association with other clinical factors are controversial.

Methods—

We analyzed characteristics of headache symptoms at stroke onset and associations between headache at stroke onset and at several clinical parameters in 2196 patients experiencing ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack within a multicenter hospital-based stroke registry.

Results—

Five hundred eighty-eight (27%) patients experienced headache at stroke onset. In a multivariate analysis, headache at stroke onset was positively associated with female sex, history of migraine, younger age, cerebellar stroke (but not with other brain stem locations), and blood pressure values on admission <120 mm Hg systolic and <70 mm Hg diastolic. It showed no significant association with stroke severity measured by the modified Rankin Scale at days 5 to 7 after the event, presumed etiology, or time of day.

Conclusions—

Our results, derived from a large number of systematically documented patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular events, show no association of headache with stroke etiology or outcome. Our results indicate that the previously described association of headache with vertebrobasilar stroke is mainly because of its association with cerebellar stroke. We could confirm previously described associations of headache at stroke onset with younger age and a history of migraine, implicating a careful evaluation of young patients with a focal neurological deficit and a history of migraine to avoid misclassification as “complicated migraine.”
TRMM Common Microphysics Products: A Tool for Evaluating Spaceborne Precipitation Retrieval Algorithms
Authors: Kingsmill David E. , Yuter Sandra E. , Heymsfield Andrew J. , Hobbs Peter V. , Korolev Alexei V. , Jeffrey L Stith , Bansemer Aaron , Haggerty Julie A. , Rangno Arthur L.
Published: December 2004

A customized product for analysis of microphysics data collected from aircraft during field campaigns in support of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) program is described. These “common microphysics products” (CMPs) are designed to aid in evaluation of TRMM spaceborne precipitation retrieval algorithms. Information needed for this purpose (e.g., particle size spectra and habit, liquid and ice water content) was derived by using a common processing strategy on the wide variety of microphysical instruments and raw native data formats employed in the field campaigns. The CMPs are organized into an American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) structure to allow easy access to the data for those less familiar with microphysical data processing and without the tools to accomplish it. Detailed examples of the CMP show its potential and some of its limitations. This approach may be a first step toward developing a generalized microphysics format and an associated community-oriented, nonproprietary software package for microphysics data processing—initiatives that would likely broaden community access to, and use of, microphysics datasets.
Diurnal Evolution of Three-Dimensional Wind and Temperature Structure in California's Central Valley
Authors: Zhong Shiyuan , Whiteman C. David , Bian Xindi
Published: December 2004

The diurnal evolution of the three-dimensional summer-season mean wind and temperature structure in California's Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys (collectively called the Central Valley) is investigated using data from 22 radar wind profiler/radio acoustic sounding systems (RASS) operated as part of the Central California Ozone Study in 2000. The profiler network revealed, for the first time, that the persistent summer-season flow pattern documented by surface observations extends 800–1000 m above the surface. At most locations, up-valley winds persist during both day and night except at the upper ends of the valleys and close to the valley sidewalls where diurnal wind reversals occur. Wind speeds exhibit pronounced diurnal oscillations, with amplitudes decreasing with height. A low-level wind maximum occurs in the lowest 300 m, with a sharp decrease in speed above the maximum. Especially well defined nocturnal low-level jets occur at sites in the southern San Joaquin Valley, where maximum speeds of 10 m s−1 or more occur 1–2 h before midnight at heights near 300 m. The afternoon mixed layer, generally deeper than 1000 m, increases in depth with up-valley distance in both valleys. At night, temperature inversions develop in the lowest several hundred meters with near-isothermal layers above. Mean temperatures in the lowest 500 m of the valleys are always warmer than at the same altitude over the coast, and temperature increases from the lower to upper valleys. The diurnal oscillations of the coast– valley and along-valley temperature and pressure difference reach a maximum in late afternoon and a minimum in early morning. These oscillations are in phase with the diurnal variation of westerly onshore flows. The along-valley wind maxima, however, occur 1–2 h before midnight, whereas the along-valley pressure gradient maxima are usually found just before sunset.
Improved Quality Assurance for Historical Hourly Temperature and Humidity: Development and Application to Environmental Analysis
Authors: Graybeal Daniel Y. , DeGaetano Arthur T. , Eggleston Keith L.
Published: December 2004

Historical hourly surface synoptic (airways) meteorological reports from around the United States have been digitized as part of the NOAA Climate Database Modernization Program. An important component is improvement of quality assurance procedures for hourly meteorological data. This paper presents the development and testing of two components of a new complex framework, as well as their application toward construction, for the first time, of a 75-yr time series of apparent temperature. A pilot study indicated that a majority of flags thrown from an existing algorithm represent single-hour blips, rather than steps, and that frontal passages were being flagged incorrectly. Therefore, a model focused on flagging blips is developed; two blip-magnitude measures are compared that define a blip as a departure from temporally neighboring observations. Switches of dewpoint with dewpoint depression have also been noted among observer/digitizer errors, and so an additional check was developed to screen for these cases. This check is based on a relationship between dewpoint depression and diurnal temperature range. Tests using artificial replication of common errors indicate that the new blip model outperforms traditional step models considerably, and the new model flags an order-of-magnitude fewer frontal passages. Operational use of this check suggests type-I and type-II error rates are similar in magnitude and are approximately 5%. More than two-fifths of known dewpoint depression switch errors are caught. However, poor performance with systematic errors suggests that using the depression-range check at a coarser temporal scale than hour to hour may be more fruitful.
Synergistic Use of MODIS and AIRS in a Variational Retrieval of Cloud Parameters
Authors: Li Jun , Menzel W. Paul , Zhang Wenjian , Sun Fengying , Schmit Timothy J. , Gurka James J. , Weisz Elisabeth
Published: December 2004

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) measurements from the Earth Observing System's (EOS's) Aqua satellite enable global monitoring of the distribution of clouds. MODIS is able to provide a cloud mask, surface and cloud types, cloud phase, cloud-top pressure (CTP), effective cloud amount (ECA), cloud particle size, and cloud optical thickness at high spatial resolution (1–5 km). The combined MODIS–AIRS system offers the opportunity for improved cloud products, better than from either system alone; this improvement is demonstrated in this paper with both simulated and real radiances. A one-dimensional variational (1DVAR) methodology is used to retrieve the CTP and ECA from AIRS longwave (650–790 cm−1 or 15.38–12.65 μm) cloudy radiance measurements (hereinafter referred to as MODIS–AIRS 1DVAR). The MODIS–AIRS 1DVAR cloud properties show significant improvement over the MODIS-alone cloud properties and slight improvement over AIRS-alone cloud properties in a simulation study, while MODIS–AIRS 1DVAR is much more computationally efficient than the AIRS-alone 1DVAR; comparisons with radiosonde observations show that CTPs improve by 10–40 hPa for MODIS–AIRS CTPs over those from MODIS alone. The 1DVAR approach is applied to process the AIRS longwave cloudy radiance measurements; results are compared with MODIS and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite sounder cloud products. Data from ground-based instrumentation at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program Cloud and Radiation Test Bed in Oklahoma are used for validation; results show that MODIS–AIRS improves the MODIS CTP, especially in low-level clouds. The operational use of a high-spatial-resolution imager, along with information from a high-spectral-resolution sounder will be possible with instruments planned for the next-generation geostationary operational instruments.
Baridi: A Culture-Bound Syndrome Among the Bena Peoples in Tanzania
Authors: Juntunen Anitta
Published: December 2004

The aim of this ethnographic study is to describe baridi, a culture-bound syndrome of the Bena peoples in the village of Ilembula, Tanzania. The data were collected through open-ended interviews (n = 49), observation and personal field diary, and analyzed by qualitative content analysis. The findings showed that baridi, emotional coldness, was a slowly progressing condition. It started with mild symptoms, such as feeling cold, tired and sick. Later, it influenced the sufferer’s physical, mental, social, sexual, and economical well being. Treatment of baridi was based on identification of the cause, asking for forgiveness and sharing a ritual confirming family unity. Prevention of baridi required respect of the elderly and familial norms. The findings may advance professional understanding of cultural knowledge by demonstrating how sociocultural conditions produce variations in health.
Cultural Perceptions of Finnish Nursing Students Regarding People and Nurses of the United States: A Pilot Study
Authors: Stimpson Joanne , Martin Karen
Published: December 2004

This pilot study measures cultural awareness through perceptions of 139 Finnish nursing students regarding American people and nurses. Inquiry was guided by cultural dimensions depicted in Leininger’s Sunrise Model. Statements of highest agreement were that: U.S. citizens frequently initiate lawsuits, have strong national identity, eagerly try new technological equipment, U.S. nurses have less authority than physicians, the U.S. shares technological advances with Third World countries. Statements of lowest agreement were that health care is available to all U.S. citizens, U.S. people live healthy lifestyles, U.S. nurses have knowledge of other cultures and knowledge of international health care issues, and U.S. citizens are law abiding. Almost half of the responses indicated neither agree nor disagree, with means between 2.7 and 3.3. Responses of Finnish students indicated stereotypical views of U.S. citizens and nurses.
Culture and Context of HIV Prevention in Rural Zimbabwe: The Influence of Gender Inequality
Authors: Duffy Lynne
Published: December 2004

After many years of HIV prevention in Zimbabwe, AIDS morbidity and mortality rates continue to rise. This study explores factors facilitating or hindering rural Ndau women’s participation in HIV prevention that might influence health promotion programming. Ethnographic methods were used with a sample of 38 females and 10 males. Women’s existence is revealed as difficult and oppressive. Their socialization to become workers and mothers occurs within a context of limited voice, subservience, violence, and economic powerlessness, all barriers to HIV prevention. Through analysis of sociocultural and economic factors, it is suggested that cultural beliefs and practices, along with national and international forces, support and sustain gender inequality. For a change in the AIDS crisis, prevention strategies need to be multifaceted, consider people’s culture and context, and include gender analysis. It is imperative that nurses working with diverse populations be sensitive to culture while challenging unjust and oppressive systems.
Perceived Health Needs of Elderly Mexicans Living on the U.S.-México Border
Authors: Zunker Christie , Rutt Candace , Meza Gina
Published: December 2004

This descriptive study explores the health beliefs of an underserved elderly group to gain insight regarding their self-perceived health needs. Focus groups were conducted with 112 elderly Mexicans living on the U.S.-México border. Participants were asked questions regarding positive aspects of aging, self-perception of health status, and health care service needs. Discussions were tape recorded, transcribed, and translated from Spanish into English. Several themes were identified: Many felt having knowledge gained from life experience and raising a family was positive; participants indicated their overall health status was poor; and they believed it was difficult to access quality health care services. Many participants self-reported that health status depended on socioeconomic status, family support, chronic diseases, and previous lifestyle. These findings can help develop culturally appropriate interventions designed to improve the overall health of the elderly living on the U.S.-México border.
Academic-Community Partnerships: Opening the Doors to a Nursing Career
Authors: Thacker Karen
Published: December 2004

With the belief that diversity is strength, the community of Reading, Pennsylvania, set forth an effort to meet the challenges of the disparity within the local nursing workforce with a comprehensive, long-term approach for the recruitment and retention of an underrepresented group. An academic-community partnership was formed to develop multifaceted programs and support across school and community agency systems. The Alvernia College Nursing Department has taken a leadership role to coordinate many community and health care agencies with the goal of increasing the number of baccalaureate-prepared Hispanic and bilingual nurses to provide culturally competent and sensitive care to the community.
Quality of Life and Living With HIV/AIDS in Cambodia
Authors: Geurtsen Babette
Published: December 2004

This qualitative study was designed to explore the unique meanings people living with HIV/AIDS in Cambodia attach to quality of life (QoL). Open-ended interview questions guided the interview process. Analysis of data revealed the following themes: ability to maintain life functioning, describing QoL before getting sick and current hardships; isolation and the desire for connection with others, describing how perceived stigmatization, discrimination, and alienation affect QoL; anticipating the future, describing fears about future QoL; and reflection, describing the effect of vulnerable relationships and regrets on QoL. For the participants of this study, secrets and silence, selective disclosure, living in the present, and hopefulness were means of promoting achievement of QoL outcomes of being able to meet basic needs, having a sense of belonging, and having a safe and caring connection with others.
Manifestation, Attribution, and Coping With Depression Among Asian Indians From the Perspectives of Health Care Practitioners
Authors: Conrad Margaret M. , Pacquiao Dula F.
Published: December 2004

The study explores cultural influences on depression and care outcomes among Asian Indians with depression. Data were collected from interviews of 23 multidisciplinary mental health professionals and retrospective review of 20 medical records of patients. Findings revealed a major influence of social and cultural context in expression of symptoms, illness attribution, help-seeking behaviors, and communication patterns. Religious beliefs and social stigma attached to mental illness contributed to prolonged denial of condition, difficulty in sharing emotional problems with professional caregivers, and delayed professional intervention. The traditional family hierarchy rooted in age and gender inequality interfered with help-seeking behaviors and adherence to prescribed regimen as well as heightened some family conflicts and hindered family adaptation after migration to the United States.
The Process of Seeking and Undergoing Surgical Contraception: An Ethnographic Study in a Brazilian Community
Authors: de Oliveira Edileusa Aparecida Almeida , Hoga Luiza Akiko Komura
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this research is to describe the process of seeking and undergoing surgical contraception by women of a low-income community in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The ethnonursing research method was followed and data were collected with seven key and 11 general informants. The three cultural categories described (a) the difficulties women encountered with nonsurgical contraceptive methods, (b) the obstacles and barriers to obtaining surgical contraception for low-income women, and (c) beliefs and values of and about women who have undergone tubal ligation procedures. The cultural theme was that “being operada was the realization of a great dream.” Leininger’s sunrise model provided a framework for the discussion of the findings and implications for socially and culturally congruent nursing care.
VE-cadherin is not required for the formation of nascent blood vessels but acts to prevent their disassembly
Authors: Crosby Christopher V. , Fleming Paul A. , Argraves W. Scott , Corada Monica , Zanetta Lucia , Dejana Elisabetta , Drake Christopher J.
Published: December 2004

We investigated the role of vascular endothelial (VE)–cadherin in blood vessel morphogenesis and established a temporal correlation linking the failure in vessel morphogenesis in VE-cadherin null embryos to a specific step in vasculogenesis. We showed that the sequence in which blood vessels failed followed the order in which they had formed (ie, those forming first—yolk sac, allantoic and endocardial vessels—were the first to display morphologic abnormalities). We next showed that in place of normal reticulated networks of blood vessels, clusters of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule–positive (PECAM+) cells formed within cultured allantois explants from VE-cadherin null embryos. Similarly, a function-blocking VE-cadherin antibody, BV13, caused PECAM+ cell clusters to form in cultured allantois explants from normal mice. Finally, we demonstrated that formation of PECAM+ cell clusters in response to BV13 was not due to a disruption in the formation of nascent vessels but was due to the actual disassembly of nascent vessels. Based on these findings, we conclude that the events of de novo blood vessel formation up to the point at which a vascular epithelium forms (ie, nascent vessels with lumens) are not dependent on VE-cadherin and that VE-cadherin, whose expression is up-regulated following vascular epithelialization, is required to prevent the disassembly of nascent blood vessels.
Tricks of the trade for the appropriate management of newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Sanz Miguel A. , Tallman Martin S. , Lo-Coco Francesco
Published: December 2004

Most reviews on the state-of-the-art treatment in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) have focused mainly on the comparison of therapeutic approaches, including all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and chemotherapy. However, outcome of individual patients also depends on appropriate knowledge of several aspects related to APL management that are less appreciated and/or are underestimated in the literature. These aspects include appropriate diagnostic strategy, use of supportive care, early recognition and treatment of life-threatening complications typically associated with APL and its specific treatment, tools and timing for adequate evaluation of response, and, finally, management of the disease in special conditions such as older patients and pregnant women. Besides reviewing current consensus and controversies on the use of ATRA and chemotherapy in the distinct treatment phases (eg, induction, consolidation, maintenance), this article addresses the aforementioned issues on APL management (“tricks of the trade”) with special emphasis on several peculiar aspects that distinguish APL from other acute myeloid leukemias.
Dendritic cells and natural killer cells interact via multiple TNF family molecules
Authors: Makarenkova Valeria , Chakrabarti Ayan K , Liberatore Jennifer A , Popovic Petar , Lu Ganwei , Watkins Simon , Vujanovic Nikola L
Published: December 2004

Dendritic cells (DC) and natural killer (NK) cells are essential components of the innate immune system, which rapidly sense and eliminate invading pathogens and transformed cells, mediate inflammation, and initiate adaptive immune responses. During the early immune events, DC and NK cells interact and regulate each other. The cellular “cross talk” and its molecular mediators are believed to be critical to the quality and magnitude of innate and adaptive immune responses. The goal of the present manuscript is to identify and initially assess major molecular mediators of DC-NK cell interaction. We have previously shown that DC and NK cells constitutively express several tumor necrosis factor family ligands (TNFfLs) and corresponding TNF family receptors (TNFfRs). Therefore, DC and NK cells might be able to interact via cognate interplays of TNFfLs and TNFfRs. Here, we provide initial experimental evidence supporting this possibility. We found that combined but not individual ligation of several TNFfRs induced substantial increases in secretion of interleukin-12 and inteferon-γ by DC and NK cells, respectively. In contrast, specific, individual disruptions of the engagements of the corresponding TNfL-TNFfR pairs greatly impaired DC and NK cell abilities to reciprocally mediate the increases in cytokine secretion. These findings indicate that multiple TNFfLs mediate DC-NK cell interaction.