Human papillomavirus type distribution among heterosexual couples.

Objective: To gain a better understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission dynamics between sexual partners, HPV-type-specific concordance was investigated.

Methods: Twenty-nine couples were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Mean age was 30.

Design and validation of a multiplex specific primer-directed polymerase chain reaction assay for killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genetic profiling.

Current methodologies for the analysis of the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) locus utilize specific primer-directed polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR), which require a wide range of DNA input, multiple reaction conditions, and up to 16 individual reactions. We have developed and validated a multiplex SSP-PCR method for the genetic analysis of the KIR locus. Design and optimization of four multiplex groups targeting 14 genes and their alleles on the KIR locus has been completed.

Combined strategy for the precipitation of heavy metals and biodegradation of petroleum in industrial wastewaters.

The precipitation of chromium(III), copper(II), manganese(II) and zinc(II) by biogenic hydrogen sulfide generated by sulfate-reducing bacteria, Desulfovibrio sp., and the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in the presence of heavy metal by Pseudomonas aeruginosa AT18 have been carried out. An anaerobic stirred tank reactor was used to generate hydrogen sulfide with Desulfovibrio sp.

Physicians' views on the importance of patient preferences in surrogate decision-making.

Objectives: To explore the degree to which physicians report reliance on patient preferences when making medical decisions for hospitalized patients lacking decisional capacity.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: One academic and two community hospitals in a single metropolitan area.

Test-retest reliability and predictors of unreliable reporting for a sexual behavior questionnaire for U.S. men.

Accurate knowledge about human sexual behaviors is important for increasing our understanding of human sexuality; however, there have been few studies assessing the reliability of sexual behavior questionnaires designed for community samples of adult men. A test-retest reliability study was conducted on a questionnaire completed by 334 men who had been recruited in Tucson, Arizona. Reliability coefficients and refusal rates were calculated for 39 non-sexual and sexual behavior questionnaire items.