Genetic Structure of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) marajoara (Diptera: Culicidae) in Colombia

Five Anopheles marajoara Galvão and Damasceno populations, representing diverse ecological conditions, were sampled throughout Colombia and analyzed using nine hypervariable DNA microsatellite loci. The overall genetic diversity (H = 0.58) was lower than that determined for some Brazilian populations using the same markers. The Caquetá population (Colombia) had the lowest gene diversity (H = 0.48), and it was the only population at Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium in the remaining four populations was probably caused by the Wahlund effect. The assignment analyses showed two incompletely isolated gene pools separated by the Eastern Andean cordillera. However, other possible geographical barriers (rivers and other mountains) did not play any role in the moderate genetic heterogeneity found among these populations (F_ST = 0.069). These results are noteworthy, because this species is a putative malaria vector in Colombia.     

Impact of HIV-positive speakers in a multicomponent, school-based HIV/STD prevention program for inner-city adolescents.

Qualitative and quantitative data from Safer Choices, a school-based multicomponent HIV prevention program, were examined to determine the impact of HIV-positive speakers on inner-city adolescents' HIV risk perception and empathy for people with HIV or AIDS. Inductive analyses were used to assess student reactions to speakers. Multilevel regression modeling techniques were used to analyze student survey data (n = 1,491) to determine the effect of speakers alone, as well as in combination with the multicomponent intervention, and a knowledge-based curriculum (comparison condition). Results showed that speakers were highly popular with students and teachers, and had a positive short-term impact on students' attitudes. Although not statistically significant, the combination of intervention and speakers had the greatest impact on outcome variables. Integrating HIV-positive speakers into multicomponent programs may have a positive impact on inner-city youth. Utilizing speakers without other educational components may have minimal effects. Strategies for training and utilizing HIV-positive speakers in school settings are included.     

Immunohistochemistry of the blood group A,B,H isoantigens and Oxford Ca antigen as prognostic markers for stage IB squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Currently, there is lack of a histologic classification of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix that correlates significantly with patient survival. This study investigated the survival predictive value of two immunohistochemical markers, the blood group A,B,H isoantigens and the Oxford Ca antigen, on conventional histologic sections of tumor tissues from 85 surgically treated patients with Stage IB squamous cell cervical cancer. The results indicated that the two antigens are two distinct markers, neither of which correlates with tumor grade. The expression of the A,B,H isoantigens is significantly related to patient survival after adjustment for the depth of stromal invasion of the tumor, whereas the Oxford Ca antigen has no survival predictive value.     

Determination of the solute removal index for urea by using a partial spent dialysate collection method

In 22 hemodialysis patients, during a dialysis session, the solute removal index (SRI) for urea obtained from the use of a partial spent dialysate collection method was compared with that derived from the use of a total spent dialysate collection technique. The partial spent dialysate collection method was used to harvest a small representative sample of the total spent dialysate. The volumes of spent dialysate collected by the partial and the total spent dialysate collection methods were 1.7 +/- 0.4 L and 129.6 +/- 15.3 L, respectively. The total amount of urea nitrogen removed by dialysis as estimated by the partial spent dialysate collection method was similar to that determined by the total spent dialysate collection approach. As a result, the SRI value for urea obtained by the partial spent dialysate collection method (namely, 63% +/- 8%) correlated very well (r = 0.95, P < 0.001) with that derived by the total spent dialysate collection technique (namely, 62% +/- 8%). Our data suggest that it is feasible to use a simple partial spent dialysate collection method to obtain SRI results in patients treated with hemodialysis.     

Health care reform as perceived by first year medical students

Our study objective was to evaluate the attitudes of first year medical students toward the health care system using a self administered questionnaire to all first year medical students at the medical schools in the University of California system. Of 631 students surveyed, 94% comleted the instrument. Students were asked about their attitudes toward and familiarity with concepts in health services, access to care, and managed care. Our findings indicated that most students were unfamiliar with concepts related to health services. Students were concerned about access to care; sixty-six percent of students favor a national health insurance plan. A majority of students supported allowing patients access to the current health care system regardless of the cost or utility of a medical test or procedure. Thirty-nine percent felt that rationing health care in any form (transplants, access to the intensive care unit, etc.) is contrary to the way medicine should be practiced. 72% felt that practicing physicians had a major responsibility to help reduce health care costs. When asked about specific changes intended to control health costs, students identified reform of medical malpractice system (63%) and increased spending on preventive health (60%) as the two proposals most likely to be effective. Students generally held negative attitudes toward managed care organizations; only 10% would chose to receive their care in HMOs. We conclude that first year medical students generally have little understanding of the health care system. Despite this, they hold strong opinions about access to care, managed care organizations and strategies intended to reduce health care spending. It is up to medical educators to find creative methods of introducing these content areas into an already bulging curriculum.Funds for this study were generously provided by the L.K. Whittier Foundation. Samuel A. Skootsky's salary was in part supported by Southern California Edison.     

逍遥丸的三维高效液相色谱法鉴定和指标成分的定量

用三维高效液相色谱(three dimensional HPLC)法对中成药逍遥丸进行了分析。结果表明该法用于逍遥丸中单味中药鉴定及其指标成分(marker substances)含量测定均得到满意结果。     

Free flaps for head and neck cancer reconstruction: Does the use of both large cervical vessels as recipient vessels and the employment of end-to-side technique enhance flap survival?

This study specifically investigates whether the use of both large cervical vessels (the external carotid artery and the internal jugular vein) as recipient vessels with end-to-side anastomosis enhance free flap survival in head and neck cancer reconstruction, when compared with the use of other standard smaller neck recipient vessels and end-to-end anastomosis. A total of 84 consecutive patients were included and were divided into two groups (42 in each group) according to the recipient vessels. The overall vessel thrombosis rate was 6% (five of 84 cases) and the overall flap loss rate was 2.4% (two of 84 cases) yielding a flap salvage rate of 60%. Vessel thrombosis occurred in three cases of the smaller vessels group and in two cases of the large cervical vessels group. This was not statistically significant.     

Pressure dermatitis from an implanted pacemaker

In this eleventh report of dermatitis conforming to the outline of an underlying pacemaker, the authors suggest that most of these reactions are isomorphic responses to expansion of the subcutaneous tissues by the hard device. Allergic contact dermatitis has been documented in a few cases.