bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of GIS for processing and establishing the correlation between weather radar reflectivity and precipitation data
Authors: Gorokhovich Y. , Villarini G. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractCorrelation between weather radar reflectivity and precipitation data collected by rain gauges allows empirical formulae to be obtained that can be used to create continuous rainfall surfaces from discrete data. Such surfaces are useful in distributed hydrologic modelling and early warning systems in flood management. Because of the spatial relationship between rain gauge locations and radar coverage area, GIS provides the basis for data analysis and manipulation. A database of 82 radar stations and more than 1500 rain gauges in continental USA was compiled and used for the continuous downloading of radar images and rain data. Image sequences corresponding to rain events were extracted for two randomly selected radar stations in South and North Carolina. Rainfall data from multiple gauges within the radar zone of 124 nautical miles (nm) (∼230 km) were extracted and combined with corresponding reflectivity values for each time interval of the selected rain event. Data were normalised to one‐hour intervals and then statistical analysis was applied to study the potential correlation. Results of regression analysis showed a significant correlation between rain gauge data and radar reflectivity values and allowed derivation of empirical formulae. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
The effect of the phytoestrogen genistein and hormone replacement therapy on homocysteine and C‐reactive protein level in postmenopausal women
Authors: D'Anna Rosario , Baviera Giovanni , Corrado Francesco , Cancellieri Francesco , Crisafulli Alessandra , Squadrito Francesco 
Published: April 2005

Background.  The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect, in postmenopausal women, of the phytoestrogen genistein and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on circulating two independent factors of cardiovascular risk: homocysteine and C‐reactive protein (CRP).Methods.  Ninety healthy postmenopausal women, from 50 to 60 years of age, were randomly assigned to receive genistein (n = 30; 54 mg/die) or continuous combined estrogen/progestin therapy (17‐β‐estradiol 1 mg plus norethisterone acetate 0·5 mg) or placebo. Plasma homocysteine and serum CRP were measured at baseline and after 6 months of treatment.Results.  In the genistein group, plasma homocysteine and serum CRP showed no statistically significant difference from baseline (homocysteine: 11·36 ± 0·39 µmol/l; CRP: 1·73 ± 0·31 mg/l) to 6 months treatment (homocysteine: 10·72 ± 0·46 µmol/l; CRP: 2·13 ± 0·45 mg/l), without any significant difference versus the placebo group (homocysteine: 11·25 ± 0·43 µmol/l; CRP: 1·74 ± 0·22 mg/l). In the HRT group there was a slight, but not significant reduction, of plasma homocysteine mean value from baseline (11·21 ± 0·44 µmol/l) to 6 months treatment (10·45 ± 0·38 µmol/l); whereas CRP mean value at the end of treatment (3·30 ± 0·55 mg/l) was significantly higher from baseline (1·61 ± 0·25 mg/l) (P < 0·01). However, after 6 months, no significant difference existed with the other two groups.Conclusions.  The phytoestrogen genistein, after 6 months treatment, does not modify the independent cardiovascular risk linked to circulating homocysteine or CRP level. Our experience confirms critical increase of CRP serum level after HRT treatment, but not plasma homocysteine significant variation.
Intensive management and early delivery reduce antenatal mortality in monoamniotic twin pregnancies
Authors: Ezra Yossef , Shveiky David , Ophir Ella , Nadjari Michael , Eisenberg Vered H. , Samueloff Arnon , Rojansky Nathan 
Published: April 2005

Background.  Intensive management and elective delivery between 32 and 35 weeks of monoamniotic twin pregnancies were suggested as improving perinatal outcome. We sought to evaluate this management as viewed by the outcome of monoamniotic twin pregnancies in our population.Methods.  A retrospective systematic chart review of all monoamniotic twin pregnancies, diagnosed from January 1986 to June 2002, was performed in three medical centers. Demographics, pregnancy course, and perinatal outcome were evaluated. The management and outcome were compared between the group of survivors and the groups of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) and miscarriage.Results.  Thirty‐three pairs of monoamniotic twins were identified. Excluded were three women, who chose to terminate the pregnancy. Total survival rate was 60% (of 60 fetuses, 36 were born alive, but one neonate died due to sepsis). None of the IUFD occurred in hospitalized patients, and two pairs of twins died after 32 weeks. In the 10 twin pairs who died in utero, cord entanglement was documented in eight (80%). There were two cases of twin discordance and two cases of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome. One twin of the live‐born group had congenital transposition of the great arteries. Furthermore, one of the hospitalized patients was delivered by means of an emergency cesarean section because of a non‐reassuring non‐stress test at 30 weeks.Conclusions.  Women with monoamniotic twin pregnancies should be advised about the very high mortality and morbidity rate. Early diagnosis, close in‐hospital antenatal surveillance starting at fetal viability, and elective delivery at 32 weeks would reduce the antenatal mortality.
Assessment of dendritic cell number and radiosensitivity in laryngeal tumours
Authors: Nix P. , Stafford N. , Cawkwell L. , Greenman J. 
Published: April 2005

Objectives:  Radiotherapy is one of the principal treatment modalities for many types of head and neck tumour; what effects the dendritic cell (DC) population may have on treatment outcome have not been critically evaluated in laryngeal cancer.Design:  Retrospective, case‐controlled study using immunohistochemistry to investigate the presence of S‐100 positive DC in pre‐treatment, archival biopsy tissue of early stage laryngeal cancers.Setting:  Patients with laryngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy in Head and Neck Departments in England.Participants:  Patients diagnosed with early stage laryngeal cancer, treated with single modality radiotherapy with curative intent. Radioresistant tumours (n = 22), defined as recurrent tumours within 12 months of therapy. Radiosensitive tumours (n = 22), defined as no recurrence with a minimum follow‐up of 36 months.Main outcome measures:  Density of S‐100 staining DC on three ×200 magnified microscopic fields.Results:  DC were present in approximately equal numbers in both radioresistant and radiosensitive laryngeal tumour pre‐treatment biopsies and therefore density did not correlate with radiotherapy treatment outcome (P = 0.420).Conclusion:  There is no intrinsic deficiency in DC number in radioresistant laryngeal tumours meaning that such tumours could potentially benefit from vaccination strategies that enhance the specific anti‐tumour immune response.
A double‐blinded randomized controlled trial of coblation versus conventional dissection tonsillectomy on post‐ operative symptoms
Authors: Philpott C.M. , Wild D.C. , Mehta D. , Daniel M. , Banerjee A.R. 
Published: April 2005

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to compare postoperative symptoms following coblation tonsillectomy with those experienced following a traditional cold dissection.Design:  A prospective randomized controlled trial.Setting:  Secondary otorhinolaryngology care.Participants:  Ninety‐two adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis meriting tonsillectomy were recruited and randomly allocated into either coblation or cold dissection tonsillectomy groups.Main outcome measures:  Primary outcomes were post‐operative pain, otalgia, swallowing and analgesia use at 6–8 hours, 1, 3, 7 and 14 days post‐operative. Secondary outcomes were post‐operative day returned to eating and returned to normal activities/work.Results:  No significant differences between the two groups (P ≥ 0.1) were found in any of the above primary outcomes, apart from swallowing at 6–8 hrs post‐operatively where the cold dissection group had less pain. This group also returned earlier to normal eating (P = 0.03). The power of the study was sufficient to show a difference in the visual analogue scores of 2 between groups.Conclusions:  The use of coblation to perform tonsillectomy does not confer any symptomatic benefits to the patient over conventional cold dissection tonsillectomy.
Impact of patient and professional diagnostic delays on the risk of recurrence in laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Teppo H. , Hyrynkangas K. , Koivunen P. , Jokinen K. , Alho O.‐P. 
Published: April 2005

Objectives:  To evaluate the impact of patient and professional diagnostic delays on the risk of recurrence in laryngeal squamocellular carcinoma (LSCC).Design:  Retrospective study using primary health care records completed before the diagnosis of malignancy.Setting:  One primary health care district (onset of symptoms), one tertiary centre (final diagnosis).Participants:  A population‐based sample of 99 patients, of which 66 fulfilled the entry criteria, with LSCC diagnosed in northern Finland in 1990–1995.Main outcome measures:  Impact of patient delay (interval between the onset of symptoms and the first visit to a physician) and professional delay (interval between the first medical visit and histologically verified diagnosis) on the risk of local, neck and distant recurrence in LSCC.Results:  Professional delay of 1 year or longer was an independent predictor of both local [adjusted relative hazard (HR) 4.62, P = 0.02] and neck (HR 9.5, P = 0.015) recurrence. Longer professional delay was associated with the risk of recurrence particularly among patients with early stage (stages I–II) disease. Professional delay was almost exclusively because of a delay in referring patients from primary care to an ENT centre.Conclusions:  Lengthened professional diagnostic delay is an independent predictor of an increased risk of local and neck recurrence in early stage LSCC. These patients could benefit from more aggressive primary treatment or more meticulous follow‐up.
How we do it: ENT prescribing to competitive athletes – a review of current regulations
Authors: Mace A. , Smith R. , Sandhu G. 
Published: April 2005

Keypoints• Otolaryngologists may be called upon to treat and advise amateur or professional athletes.• The effect of a positive anti‐doping test on an athlete's career is devastating.• It is, therefore, important to ensure that any substance prescribed should be approved for use and should not adversely affect the athlete's performance.• This article explains the testing system and provides an overview of the current status of medications commonly prescribed in routine ENT practice.
Recruitment of E‐cadherin associated with α‐ and β‐catenins and p120ctn to the nectin‐based cell‐cell adhesion sites by the action of 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate in MDCK cells
Authors: Okamoto Ryoko , Irie Kenji , Yamada Akio , Katata Tatsuo , Fukuhara Atsunori , Takai Yoshimi 
Published: April 2005

The formation of tight junctions (TJs) is dependent on the formation of adherens junctions (AJs) in MDCK cells. E‐Cadherin and nectin are major cell‐cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) at AJs, whereas claudin, occludin and junctional adhesion molecule (JAM) are major CAMs at TJs. When MDCK cells precultured at 2 µm Ca2+ are cultured at 2 mm Ca2+, nectin first forms cell‐cell adhesion and recruits E‐cadherin to the nectin‐based cell‐cell adhesion sites to form AJs. Thereafter, nectin recruits first JAM‐A and then claudin‐1 and occludin to the apical side of AJs to form TJs. In contrast, when MDCK cells precultured at 2 µm Ca2+ are cultured at 2 µm Ca2+ in the presence of a phorbol ester, 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA), a TJ‐like structure is formed without the formation of the E‐cadherin‐based AJs. We showed here that GFP‐E‐cadherin, which did not trans‐interact due to 2 µm Ca2+ but associated with α‐ and β‐catenins and p120ctn, was recruited to the nectin‐based cell‐cell adhesion sites by the action of TPA. The nectin inhibitors, which inhibited the trans‐interaction of nectin, inhibited the recruitment of GFP‐E‐cadherin and their associating catenins by the action of TPA. Microbeads coated with the extracellular fragment of nectin recruited not only cellular nectin but also GFP‐E‐cadherin and their associating catenins by the action of TPA. These results indicate that when the TJ‐like structure is formed by the action of TPA, non‐trans‐interacting E‐cadherin and its associating catenins are recruited to the nectin‐based cell‐cell adhesion sites and that the trans‐interaction of E‐cadherin is not essential for the formation of TJs.
Enhancing methodological clarity: principle‐based concept analysis
Authors: Penrod Janice , Hupcey Judith E. 
Published: April 2005

Aims. The aim of this paper is to operationalize the principle‐based method of concept analysis.Background. While nursing has embraced the use of concept analysis as a valid and significant entrée into an area of research, methodological development has created strategies of inquiry that vary in purpose and in the nature of their findings.Discussion. We propose that, as the primary utility of concept analysis is to determine the existing state of the science so that further work may be strategically and appropriately planned, the method described as principle‐based concept analysis is superior in providing evidence to support subsequent inquiry into the concept of interest.Three problematic issues are discussed in an effort to clarify and procedurally explicate the strategies employed in this approach: selecting disciplinary literatures for inclusion in the analysis; conceptually‐driven sampling issues; and within‐ and across‐discipline analytic techniques.Conclusion. In this form of concept analysis, each principle contributes to an understanding of the strengths and limitations of the present state of the concept in the scientific literature. We believe that this perspective will enable nursing to begin to harness the power of concept analysis foradvancingscience rather than simply imagining what a conceptcould beor constructing what we believe itshould be.
Developing assessment of Emergency Nurse Practitioner competence – a pilot study
Authors: Mason Suzanne , Fletcher Alan , McCormick Simon , Perrin Julie , Rigby Alan 
Published: April 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study evaluating baseline competence levels among Emergency Nurse Practitioners using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination. The study also aimed to document change in competence over time and following an educational intervention.Background.  Emergency Nurse Practitioners form an increasingly established part of the minor injury service workforce in the United Kingdom (UK). At present, there is no national requirement for them to undergo formal preparation, gain a formal qualification, have continuing professional development or revalidate. Given that it is certain that the use of these professionals to deliver unplanned emergency care will increase in the UK, skill maintenance and extension of skills need to be considered in order to ensure the continued delivery of a quality service. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations aim to test a wide range of knowledge and skills in an objective fashion and can be developed to serve a number of educational requirements.Methods.  A competence assessment was planned using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination. It was developed following questionnaire consultation with Emergency Nurse Practitioners and also in conjunction with Emergency Department specialists and experts in medical education. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination was piloted with Emergency Department junior doctors. Baseline Objective Structured Clinical Examination assessment was conducted in 2001. An educational intervention followed and then a further Objective Structured Clinical Examination assessment took place in 2002.Results.  A total of 17 of 20 Emergency Nurse Practitioners consented to involvement in the study. Comparison of their performance showed a statistically significant overall improvement in performance between the two assessment periods (P < 0·05). Participant feedback on the experience of undertaking an Objective Structured Clinical Examination assessment was very positive.Conclusions.  The assessment process worked well, and provides a framework for competence assessment that can be compared over time, between practitioners and between departments.
Professional doctorates for nurses: mapping provision and perceptions
Authors: Ellis Lorraine B. 
Published: April 2005

Aim. This paper reports a study to map the range of developments of professional doctorates in the United Kingdom (UK) and report the views of key stakeholders as to the value of the professional doctorate relative to the more traditional PhD.Background. As the highest university degree that can be awarded, the traditional Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) represents the pinnacle of advanced learning and scholarly enquiry, demonstrated by subject expertise and the creation of new knowledge. The last decade the UK has witnessed the introduction of an alternative form of doctoral preparation for nurses and other health care professions known as the taught or professional doctorate, a form of doctoral provision not unlike the United States of America (USA) model of PhD in Nursing.Methods. An illuminative evaluation was carried out in date in the UK in 2003. Data were collected using content analysis of curricula and related documentation, and telephone interviews with 55 academics at 41 institutions of higher education.Results. Mapping of the professional doctorate revealed a continuum of provision from highly prescriptive to minimally prescriptive programmes and a wide range of attitudes towards the professional doctorate, varying from enthusiasm through ambivalence to scepticism.Conclusion. Educators face an uphill battle in convincing practitioners of the efficacy and value of continuing professional education at doctoral level, a challenge that is likely to be increased by the general lack of clarity and consensus amongst academics reported in this study. Shared understanding of the concept of a professional doctorate is needed if the benefits of these programmes are to be realised.
Expression of Three Gene Families Encoding Cell–Cell Communication Molecules in the Prepubertal Nonhuman Primate Hypothalamus
Authors: Mungenast A. E. , Ojeda S. R. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractTranssynaptic and glial–neuronal communication are important components of the mechanism underlying the pubertal activation of luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) secretion. The molecules required for the architectural organization of these cell–cell interactions have not been identified. We now show that the hypothalamus of the prepubertal female rhesus monkey expresses a multiplicity of genes encoding three families of adhesion/signalling proteins involved in the structural definition of both neurone‐to‐neurone and bi‐directional neurone–glia communication. These include the neurexin/neuroligin (NRX/NRL) and protocadherin‐α (PCDHα) families of synaptic specifiers/adhesion molecules, and key components of the contactin‐dependent neuronal–glial adhesiveness complex, including contactin/F3 itself, the contactin‐associated protein‐1 (CASPR1), and the glial receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase β. Prominently expressed among members of the NRX family is the neurexin isoform involved in the specification of glutamatergic synapses. Although NRXs, PCDHαs and CASPR1 transcripts are mostly detected in neurones, the topography of expression appears different. NRX1 mRNA‐containing neurones are scattered throughout the hypothalamus, PCDHα mRNA transcripts appear more abundant in neurones of the arcuate nucleus and periventricular region, and neurones positive for CASPR1 mRNA exhibit a particularly striking distribution pattern that delineates the hypothalamus. Examination of LHRH neurones, using the LHRH‐secreting cell line GT1‐7, showed that these cells contain transcripts encoding NRXs and one of their ligands (NRL1), at least one PCDHα (CNR‐8/PCDHα10), and the CASPR1/contactin complex. The results indicate that the prepubertal female monkey hypothalamus contains a plethora of adhesion/signalling molecules with different but complementary functions, and that an LHRH neuronal cell line expresses key components of this structural complex. The presence of such cell–cell communication machinery in the neuroendocrine brain suggests an integrated participation of their individual components in the central control of female sexual development.
Central Regulation of the Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis During Fetal Development in the Guinea‐Pig
Authors: Owen D. , Banjanin S. , Gidrewicz D. , McCabe L. , Matthews S. G. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractWe have previously shown that the foetal guinea‐pig hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis is activated near the time of parturition and that this is associated with changes in limbic glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptors. In the present study, we hypothesized that the foetal hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and pituitary contribute significantly to foetal HPA drive but that these areas remain sensitive to negative feedback by circulating glucocorticoids in late gestation. However, we observed decreased corticotrophin‐releasing hormone mRNA expression in the PVN and decreased pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA levels in the anterior pituitary with advanced gestational age. The reduction in POMC mRNA expression was likely the result of negative feedback via circulating glucocorticoids because GR mRNA was unchanged during development in the foetal pituitary. Furthermore, we found that maternally administered glucocorticoids significantly decreased foetal pituitary POMC mRNA expression in a dose‐dependent manner at gestational day (gd) 62 with male foetuses being more sensitive to these effects. These findings show that the foetal HPA axis remains highly sensitive to glucocorticoid feedback even as plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels are elevated at the end of gestation.
Expression of Immediate Early Genes and Vasopressin Heteronuclear RNA in the Paraventricular and Supraoptic Nuclei of Rats After Acute Osmotic Stimulus
Authors: Kawasaki M. , Yamaguchi K. , Saito J. , Ozaki Y. , Mera T. , Hashimoto H. , Fujihara H. , Okimoto N. , Ohnishi H. , Nakamura T. , Ueta Y. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractMonitoring the expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) is useful for following stress‐induced cellular responses in the neuroendocrine system. We have examined the transcriptional activities of four IEGs (c‐fos, junB, NGFI‐A and NGFI‐B) and of the arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene in the hypothalamic paraventicular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) of rats after acute osmotic stimuli, using in situ hybridization histochemistry. After intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of hypertonic saline (2% body weight, 900 mOsm/kg), the expression levels of all IEG mRNAs were increased significantly both in the PVN and SON at as early as 10 min, peaked at 30 min and remained elevated until 60 min. The expression of AVP heteronuclear (hn)RNA also peaked at 30 min, and remained elevated until 180 min. Thirty min after i.p. administration of hypertonic saline (600 mOsm/kg), the expression levels of all IEG mRNAs in the PVN and SON were significantly increased in comparison with those after i.p. administration of isotonic saline (290 mOsm/kg). Regression analysis revealed that expression levels of the IEG mRNAs and AVP hnRNA were positively correlated with the plasma concentration of sodium, and the rates of increase of the expression levels of all IEG mRNAs were similar. The expression levels of all IEG mRNAs examined are useful markers for following the changes of the AVP gene transcription in the PVN and SON after acute osmotic stimuli in rats.