Some studies on the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors in the isolated rat uterus.

Selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor antagonists were employed to further characterize the receptor subtypes mediating the contractile actions of 5-HT on the isolated uterine preparations of the rat. Increasing concentrations (10(-8)-10(-6) M) of the 5-HT receptor antagonist methysergide produced rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves of the 5-HT-induced contractions (pA2=8.05, slope of A-S plot=1.12 n=7) ketanserin a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist (10(-8)-10(-6) M) competitively antagonized the actions of 5-HT on the preparation (pA2=8.81; slope=1.04; n=7). Both LY53857 (10(-8)-10(-6) M) and ICI169369 (10(-8)-10(-6) M) which are known 5-HT2 receptor blockers also produced concentration-dependent shifts of the curves LY53857 yielded a pA2 of 8.9 (slope=0.82; n=7) while the pA2 for ICI169369 on the preparation was 7.9 (slope=1.29; n=7). ICS205930 a potent 5-HT3 blocker (10(-12)-10(-9) M) also produced concentration-dependent shifts of the curves (pA2=11.3; slope=0.94; n=7). The presence of 5-HT1 receptors could not be established. However both 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors seem to be present on the rat uterine preparation.

Recruitment of minority students to U.S. epidemiology degree programs. The American College of Epidemiology Committee on Minority Affairs.

PURPOSE: African-, Hispanic-, and Native Americans are underrepresented in the field of epidemiology including degree programs. As part of the assessment component of its mandate, the American College of Epidemiology Committee on Minority Affairs conducted a survey of minority recruitment activities of U.S. epidemiology degree programs. METHODS: The survey, containing questions related to marketing activities, institution infrastructure, financial support, academic offerings, and receptive/supportive environment, was mailed to all programs identified in Episource as offering epidemiology degrees. Separate responses were requested concerning activities at the department and school levels. RESULTS: Fifty-two completed questionnaires were received (response rate of 79%). All but two institutions had at least one activity conducted by either the department or the school. However, all activities were more common at the school- than at the department-level. Indeed, some activities [a written minority student recruitment plan (6% of departments and 52% of schools), personnel with minority recruitment responsibilities (4% of departments and 73% of schools)] were almost exclusively school-sponsored. Although marketing-type activities were the most common minority recruitment tool used by departments, only 21% made visits to minority schools, 17% visited other colleges specifically to recruit minorities, and 12% produced materials targeted to ethnic/racial minorities. Six percent of the departments and 19% of the schools offered financial support (grants, fellowships, scholarships) to almost all underrepresented minority students. CONCLUSIONS: Even though individual epidemiology degree programs may not see a need for general recruitment activities in order to maintain the size of their applicant pool, minority-specific recruitment activities should be undertaken to enhance and diversify that pool. We recommend that epidemiology departments develop, adopt, and implement comprehensive written plans for the recruitment of underrepresented minority students into their programs.

Perspectives on digoxin absorption from small bowel resections.

Digoxin is a commonly prescribed medication for a variety of cardiovascular abnormalities. The therapeutic index of digoxin is considered narrow and drug is absorbed predominantly from the duodenum and upper jejunum. When the small intestine is intact, the absorption can vary; therefore, in the case of a small bowel resection or bypass, this erratic absorption may be accentuated. There is some controversy concerning the effect of small bowel resection or bypass on the absorption of digoxin. Some investigators have shown that small bowel resection or bypass decreases the absorption of oral digoxin, whereas others report no change in absorption. When the study methodologies were evaluated, certain common factors that support each view were found. In most studies reporting malabsorption, a solid dosage form of digoxin was used. Studies reporting no change in absorption investigated a solution dosage form.