Quantitative comparison of placental expression of three aquaporin genes.

Three water channel proteins, aquaporins, have been shown to be expressed in the placentae of humans and sheep-AQP1, 3, 8; AQP1 is in the vasculature, whereas AQP3, 8 are in the trophoblast cells. In this study we used the sensitive and reproducible technique of real-time PCR to compare the level of expression of the mRNAs for AQP1, 3 and 8 in the ovine placenta at five stages of gestation (27, 45, 66, 100 and 140 days-where term approximately 150 days). AQP3 was quantitatively the most highly expressed AQP at 66, 100, and 140 days). At 27 days before significant trophoblast development had occurred, the only AQP present was AQP1, in the vasculature. The expression of these aquaporins underlie the high water and urea permeability of the ovine placenta in the last half of pregnancy.

Reasons for cannabis use in men with and without psychosis.

Psychoses are relatively low prevalence disorders that have a disproportionately negative impact on individuals and society. Cannabis use is one factor that can exacerbate the negative consequences associated with psychotic disorders. Relatively few studies have examined the effects or reasons for using cannabis self-reported by individuals with psychosis. The present study is the first known to compare directly such factors in individuals with and without psychosis, within a single study. At baseline and follow-up participants with psychosis most commonly reported using cannabis for positive mood alteration (36% and 42%), coping with negative affect (27% and 29%) and for social activity reasons (38% and 29%). The control group most commonly reported using cannabis for relaxation (34% and 43%) and social activity reasons (49% and 51%). Participants with psychosis were less likely to report relaxation as the most important effect after use (27%) or expect it at follow-up (49%) compared to the control group (53% and 70%). In both groups, addiction and positive affect enhancement were the composite variable scores correlated most consistently with concurrent amount and frequency of use.

Over-the-counter medication use in preschool children.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to describe how parents'/caregivers' perceptions of illness severity, susceptibility to illness, trust in primary care providers, perceived barriers to seeking care, and perceived effectiveness of over-the-counter (OTC) medication affect their decisions about the type of health care to provide for preschool children. In addition, the impact of social factors on the decision to give OTC medications to preschool children and/or the decision about whether to call the primary care provider was examined. METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was used with a convenience sample of 52 caregivers of preschool-aged children. The OTC Medication Questionnaire and Medicine Decisions Questionnaire were given during parental Head Start meetings. RESULTS: Significant correlations existed between the age of the caregiver, socioeconomic status, perceived effectiveness of OTC medications, and the giving of OTC medications. Significant correlations also existed between perceived severity of illness, perceived susceptibility to illness, and calling the primary care provider or nurse practitioner. DISCUSSION: Specific guidelines for appropriate use of OTC medications should be provided to parents. These guidelines should include which OTC medications have proved to be effective. Anticipatory guidance by primary care practitioners is essential to prepare families for illnesses and illness progression, teach them about the efficacy and safe use of OTC medications, and help them use the health care system effectively.

A descriptive study of hypertension in Vietnamese Americans.

This study focused on the extent of hypertension (HTN) and risk factors in 201 Vietnamese in a Gulf Coast community. Blood pressure and pulse were measured by a Welch-Allyn Vital Signs Monitor (Model AD-9000, Armstrong Medical, Lincolnshire, IL). The survey tool consisted of demographic information, health status, medications, dietary habits, smoking and alcohol use, education, family configuration, family health history, and 12 true or false items on HTN knowledge. Participants believed that HTN was inherited, presented symptoms, was caused by stress and lack of daily exercise, and had no cure. Of the factors correlated with high blood pressure, the most significant item was the total knowledge score. Nearly 44% of the participants in this sample were hypertensive. Other significant correlation findings included smoking r = .45, p < .05) and exercise r = .15, p < .05) were related to high blood pressure. Cultural sensitivity was found to be critical in the data collection process. This study demonstrates a profound need for health education related to cardiovascular disease, smoking, and alcohol use in Vietnamese Americans.

Descriptive study of hypercholesteremia in a Vietnamese population of the Gulf coast.

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of high cholesterol and related heart disease risk factors and knowledge, in a selected Vietnamese population. A convenience sample of 114 adult Vietnamese volunteers, who are living in a selected Southern Mississippi Vietnamese rural community, were tested. Only 29% scored at the low risk level for knowledge of cardiovascular health risks. High blood pressure was found in 44% of the sample, with 20% referred for medical follow-up. Of the 58% who had high total cholesterols, 65% had high HDLs, and 35% had high triglycerides. Approximately half of the sample stated that they did not see a doctor annually or on a regular basis.

Isoflurane anesthesia for guinea pigs (Cavia porcella) in a stereotaxic surgical apparatus.

Isoflurane (1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether) is a potent general anesthetic agent that is highly adaptable to use in small laboratory animal species. Respiratory delivery is easily accomplished in these animals, even during restraint in a stereotaxic apparatus. The ease of administration, high predictability of action, and ability to finely control the depth of anesthesia make isoflurane anesthesia far superior to regimes involving injectable anesthetics. The wide margin of safety of isoflurane is a key indicator of the superiority of this product to all other anesthetic agents. The initial cost associated with the delivery system is a drawback, but the reliability and safety factors outweigh the hardware costs.

The clinical nurse researcher in a military setting: bringing practice into research.

The clinical nurse researcher (CNR) is emerging as an integral part of every major medical center. The CNR has six basic roles: facilitate the conduct of research projects; stimulate staff to conduct research: upgrade the research skills of the staff; participate on committees related to research; conduct and disseminate research; and obtain funding for research studies. Readiness issues for military missions, health promotion, and disease management and prevention are consistently of interest. The CNR should be an active participant on the institutional review board and should conduct primary studies that further the reputation of the facility. The viability of any military research program today is contingent on procurement of funding; therefore, the CNR must refine skills in grantsmanship. The demands of the medical facility and the needs of the staff must be a prime consideration in the development of the role of the CNR.

The effects of a short-term exercise program on movement, pain, and mood in the elderly. Results of a pilot study.

Therapeutic effects of a short-term Tai Chi exercise program for the elderly were evaluated in a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. This pilot study evaluated changes in flexibility, balance, sway, pain, and mood after a short slow-motion exercise. The program consisted of a series of movements involving turning, shifting weight, bending, and arm movements in combination with diaphragmatic breathing with slow movements. The measured effects included improved balance, sway, range of motion, decreased perceived pain, and lessened trait anxiety. Participants included 11 elderly females. Instruments consisted of standard goniometry, the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List, stopwatch measures of single-leg stance and a tandem walk (sway), and visual analog measurement of pain. Findings included significant improvement (p = .05) in trait anxiety and pain perception. Improvements in mood, flexibility, and balance may have a profound effect on the incidence of falls, injuries, resulting disability, and overall quality of life.

An exploration of the characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder in reserve forces deployed during Desert Storm.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), previously defined in Vietnam War veterans, was described in 251 Desert Storm reservists. The Mississippi Scale, Revised, was used with a brief demographic profile to survey Army, Marine, and Air Force personnel who had been deployed to Saudi Arabia. Age, sex, marital status, race, rank, duty, length of deployment, and branch of service were not found to be significantly related to PTSD symptoms. However, those surveyed within 3 to 6 months of homecoming reported significantly greater symptoms than those surveyed after 6 months. Five percent of subjects were found to have clinically diagnostic levels of PTSD symptoms 6 months after homecoming. Individuals who expressed difficulty discussing their experiences with more than one person also showed significantly higher PTSD scores. These findings indicate that readjustment reactions were prevalent during the first 6 months and that PTSD could be identified in 5% of the Desert Storm veterans.

Fluid volume deficit: validating the indicators. The Research Committee, Greater Milwaukee Area Chapter of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

A validation of the nursing diagnosis "fluid volume deficit related to active isotonic loss" was completed by using the diagnostic content validity method. A validation tool containing 72 clinical indicators was mailed to a national sample of critical care experts. The study sample rated the clinical indicators on a scale from one to five, evaluating their relevancy to this diagnosis. The Delphi survey technique was used. Of the 72 clinical indicators on the validation tool, 17 were categorized as critical indicators and 29 were categorized as defining characteristics.

Assessing physiological changes from hyperbaric therapy.

This article, the first of two on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) describes the detailed nursing assessment required for these patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Using the computer to prepare multiple-choice examinations: a simplified system.

Program TEST offers a quick, easy, and efficient way to produce objectively-scored exams from an established item bank. It is especially useful in situations where frequent testing is utilized and secretarial help is scarce. The capability of constructing a customized exam the day before its administration should make the exam more reflective of the instruction. The provision for keyed copies has been found to be a useful tool for feedback to the student after the exam. Lastly, use of the program requires little computer assistance.