Arsenic-induced skin conditions identified in southwest dermatology practices: an epidemiologic tool?

Populations living in the Southwest United States are more likely to be exposed to elevated drinking water arsenic levels compared to other areas of the country. Skin changes, including hyperpigmentation and generalized hyperkeratosis, are the most common signs of chronic arsenic ingestion from drinking water. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using dermatology practices in New Mexico, Arizona, and western Texas as a surveillance system for arsenical skin disorders related to drinking water. Postcard questionnaires were mailed to practicing dermatologists. The number of cases of arsenical hyperpigmentation/keratoses seen by these dermatologists during the past 10 years and the past year were estimated. Of 240 dermatologists who were mailed questionnaires, 37 reported seeing 237 patients with arsenical hyperpigmentation/keratoses in the past 10 years and 35 patients in the past year. Since approximately one-eighth of dermatologists practicing in the Southwest saw at least one patient with arsenical hyperpigmentation/keratoses during one year, it appears feasible to complete a population-based study of these conditions.

Adolescent females' strategic behavior within romantic relationships.

Three romantic strategies are inferred from an evolutionary life-history model of adolescence, in which girls must choose between beginning reproduction and acquiring skills. These strategies differ in the level of commitment sought and in the type of information gathered during relationships. I surveyed 158 heterosexual high school girls in New Mexico. The three strategies, as well as age, sexual maturity, parents' education, and father absence, were used as predictors of romantic relationship duration. Three significant results were obtained using the Cox Proportional Hazards Model. First, girls scoring high in the ''committer'' scale were less likely to have relationships end than were girls scoring higher on ''information-gatherer'' scales. Also, Anglo girls and Anglo-Hispanic multi-racial girls were more likely to have a relationship end than were Hispanic girls. Third, girls from a higher socioeconomic background were likely to have longer relationships. The implications of these results are discussed.