Misoprostol use in developing countries: results from a multicountry study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify information and service delivery needs for obstetric/gynecologic uses of misoprostol in developing countries. METHODS: The study included a survey of reproductive health providers in 23 countries and a qualitative study of misoprostol use in four developing countries. Researchers used purposive sampling methods for the survey and qualitative study and conducted a descriptive statistical analysis of survey data and computer-assisted text-based content analysis of qualitative data. RESULTS: In some developing countries, women frequently access misoprostol through pharmacies and self-medicate to induce early abortion. Some clinicians expressed concern about this use of misoprostol, but many stated that its availability had reduced serious complications resulting from unsafe abortions. CONCLUSION: Although misoprostol is routinely used for a range of off-label obstetric/gynecologic indications, evidence-based, up-to-date information about safety, effectiveness, and appropriate regimens is not widely available. This information is requested by providers, including pharmacists. Women need information and guidance about its use.

Genetic polymorphism in eight Chilean strains of the carotenogenic microalga Dunaliella salina Teodoresco (Chlorophyta).

Eight Chilean strains of Dunaliella salina obtained within a restricted geographic range, but exhibiting a high variability in their morphology, rate of growth and carotenogenic capacity, were analyzed by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) Twenty of the 50 random primers (D, P, OPA and OPD series) that were tested amplified reproducible bands and were useful for comparative analysis of the strains. Of 107 polymorphic genetic markers, 49 were strain-specific. A great genetic variability was found among the strains in spite of their geographic proximity. In addition, phenetic analysis of the data showed close agreement between the morphophysiological attributes and the genetic diversity of the strains.