Predictors of Performance of Minority Students in the First Two Years of a BA/MD Program

This study examines cognitive and noncognitive selection variables as predictors of multiple criteria of performance for minority and nonminority students entering the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine between 1972 and 1977. Data analysis aims at identifying characteristics associated with success in the crucial first two years of the combined BA/MD program. Pearson product moment correlations and multiple regression equations have been determined for all selection variables and three criteria measures. A number of nontraditional variables are significantly predictive of minority student performance. The cognitive variables of aptitude test and high school science/mathematics preparation are significant predictors of all three performance measures in both racial groups. The data support the position that separate equations are not necessary to predict performance of minority and nonminority students, but that admission committees, when selecting minority students, should recognize both personal attributes and academic preparation as indicators of potential success or failure.     

Cis-platinum (II) diaminedichloride: Another cause of bilateral small kidneys

Cis-platinum (II) diaminedichloride (CPDD) is a new chemotherapeutic agent whose major side effect is renal toxicity. Serial urography may show evidence of a diminution of renal size before there is any clinical evidence of renal failure in patients being treated with CPDD. We recommend that these patients be followed closely with serial radioisotope scanning and/or urography to detect early renal damage.     

Phase II study of combination bleomycin,vincristine and high-dose methotrexate (BOM) with leucovorin rescue in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal

Summary Fifteen patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal were treated with a combination of bleomycin, vincristine, and high-dose methotrexate (BOM) with leucovorin rescue. Three out of twelve patients with measurable disease had objective responses of 1, 2, and 5 months. Five of the fifteen patients had severe or life-threatening complications as a result of this treatment regimen. The narrow therapeutic index of the BOM therapy makes it a less than ideal drug combination for the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.Aided by Grant JFCF 793, American Cancer Society, New York, New York     

Chest wall reconstruction

The use of the End-to-End Anastomosis (EEA) circumferential stapler for reconstruction following resection of the esophagus and stomach for carcinoma of the cardia is reported here in 9 consecutive patients with fifteen anastomoses performed with this unit. The technical aspects of the EEA stapler are emphasized. Two frequent problems associated with this type of operation, namely, stenosis or leak at the suture line, are completely avoided by the use of this stapler unit. Its use is recommended.     

Diagnosis of schizophrenia by computer and clinicians: A pilot study

Investigations show significant disagreement among mental health professionals in diagnosing schizophrenia.^1–11 Recently, computer-based systems have been used in attempts to improve diagnostic consistency. Spitzer and Endicott, among others, have devised a computer program using the Mental Status Examination Report (MSER) as input data.^12–19 The MSER is a systematic, relatively objective inventory of observed behaviors used to obtain a mental status. The MSER was used at the Hillside Division during 1973 and 1974. It was filled out 1 week after admission by therapists who were specially trained for this task. It was noted that a nonschizophrenic computer diagnosis was given to a number of patients diagnosed schizophrenic by clinicians, but the reverse rarely occurred. Was this due to the computer program, the MSER, clinicians, or other factors? These questions have heightened relevance in light of the imminence of Professional Standards Review Organization (PSRO).²⁰ Hospitals may be required to establish definitive operational diagnostic criteria and correlated treatments in order to maintain accreditation and be reimbursed by third-party payers. This study investigated these diagnostic discrepancies in order to ascertain what specific criteria could be used in making a schizophrenic diagnosis in hospitalized patients. Secondarily, the study sought to shed further light on whether such a computer system could be useful as an adjunctive diagnostic modality to pinpoint difficult cases.     

Effect of transforming growth factor beta 2 on marrow-infused foam poly(propylene fumarate) tissue-engineered constructs for the repair of critical-size cranial defects in rabbits

This study investigates the osseointegration of poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) with beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) scaffolds in a critical-size (diameter, 1.6 cm), cranial defect in 4-month-old rabbits (n = 51), killed at 6 or 12 weeks. Two molecular weights of PPF were used to produce bilayer scaffolds with 0.5-mm solid external and 2.0-mm porous internal layers. The porous layer was infused with bone marrow aspirate, with half the animals receiving 0.8 microg of transforming growth factor beta2 (TGF-beta2). No foreign body or inflammatory response was observed externally or on histological examination of explants. Statistical analysis of histological areal and linear measures of new bone formation found significantly more bone at the later sacrifice time, followed by implants receiving TGF-beta2, followed by low molecular weight PPF implants. Approximately 40% of the explants were tested for incorporation strength with a one-point "push-in" test. Because no permanent fixation was used, implant strength (28.37-129.03 N; range, 6.4 to 29.0 lb of resistance) was due entirely to new bone formation. The strongest bone was seen in implants receiving TGF-beta2-infused marrow in animals killed at 12 weeks. These results support the use of PPF as an osteogenic substrate and future research into preoperative fabrication of critical size and supercritical-size cranial prosthetic implants.